The picture accompanying this article may be humerous. The subject matter is not.

Quite literally, everyday, thousands of people are coming to terms with the notion that they are changing. Something subtle is happening to them. It could be as simple as forgetting what you came into the kitchen for. Sitting down at the table and trying to retrace steps to find they simply cannot remember what in the world they needed to do.

Frustrated, the situation may quickly be forgotten. Until the next episode. And the next, which is noticed by a family member. The person who is slowly losing mental function tries to hide their mistakes, but they can't go unnoticed for long. Leaving the oven on long after the meal was taken out. Forgetting to feed the cat. Saying they are ready to go to the store, but their hair isn't brushed and their clothes are disheveled.

Dementia and alzheimers are insidious diseases, characterized in the beginning stages with mood changes, memory loss, inability to complete complex tasks they were accustomed to doing. The person suffering may notice and try to compensate for their acknowledged deficiencies, but it is quickly evident to others that there is a problem.

As dementia and alzheimers progress, poor judgement and loss of social skills develop. Changes in sleep patterns, depression and agitation may occur. Difficulty reading and writing, even performing basic tasks such as bathing, feeding and clothing yourself become monumental. Argumentative behavior and hallucinations are seen. Forgetting your life history, losing a sense of who you are. What happens with these diseases of the mind is, in some cases, worse than a cancer. The body is still there, but the mind is not.

If you or a loved one are noticing signs of cognitive decline, there are steps you can take to help lessen the impact on yourself and your family.

First and foremost, make an appointment with your doctor or other healthcare provider for a thorough examination. Tell them what has been happening, what your concerns are regarding yours or your loved one's mental status. Your provider may prescribe a litany of tests (ie blood, neurological, CT or MRI of the brain). He or she may want to rule out other possibilities such as stroke, thyroid disease, adverse reaction to current medication, etc...

Whole body health is crucial for someone with a mental disorder, and alzheimers and dementia are no different. Eating right, exercising daily (to your ability), and maintaining social contacts are just a few of the ways to maintain a normal and healthy lifestyle. Incorporating vitamins and supplements, with your doctor's advice, is another way to stay fit.

Although there is no cure for alzheimers and dementia, strides are made everyday in the medical field toward eradicating it. With family, community, and medical support, a person with alzheimers/dementia can live a longer, more productive life.