While you may have suspected it for a long time, hearing that your spouse has Alzheimer’s can rock you to the very core. The days ahead may get very rough, so enjoy each positive precious moment along the way. Here are four steps you may want to take when your spouse is diagnosed with Alzheimer’s.

Remember when you had children, and you had to break each thing down into very simple steps. Now, your spouse needs you to do the same thing. Chances are that the days of their being able to follow multi-step directions are gone forever. If you need your spouse to do something, then tell them one step at a time. Use the fewest amount of words possible. It will get easier over time.

While Western medicine does not have good answers on treating Alzheimer’s, there are some alternative treatments that may help. Medical Marijuana, like that from Elevated, has been shown to be effective in some cases. According to research performed by the University of California at Los Angeles, eating the Mediterranean diet may also help. Researchers there also found thathigh-intensity workouts may help prevent Alzheimer’s from progressing. Burning frankincense and rosemary essential oils in a diffuser has also been shown to help spouses with Alzheimer’s think more clearly.

It can be extremely painful to watch your spouse slip away from you. In the beginning, you will notice more of the changes later in the day, so cherish the precious moments early each morning. If there are things that you need to have your spouse help you with, then plan to do them early. Otherwise, plan an activity that you can do together. Many people with Alzheimer’s enjoy listening to music that has been meaningful to them in some way.

While you may think that you can take care of your spouse, in the beginning, there will come a time when you need help. You cannot be strong for them if you do not take care of yourself first. Hire home health workers to take care of routine housework so that you have more time to focus on your spouse. Spend part of each day doing something you enjoy doing by yourself. Do not feel guilty or ashamed if the day comes when you need to put them in long-term care.

Hearing that your spouse has Alzheimer’s can be a blow. Concentrate on spending time together, and let other people handle routine matters. Use these suggestions to find out what works for you.