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If you are still working when you are diagnosed with Alzheimer's disease, you will need to make decisions about eventual changes in work life. The following suggestions may help you make decisions and discuss options with her employer.

• Talk to your employer about your diagnosis. You may want to provide educational materials and bring someone with you to help explain your situation.

• Discuss with your employer the possibility of switching to a position that better matches your abilities and strengths or of reducing your work hours.

• Continue to work as long as you and your physician feel you are able.

• Decide with your employer who else will need to know about your diagnosis, such as co-workers and clients with whom you work.

• Tell co-workers that you may become frustrated with yourself, or frustrating to them, when you have trouble recalling information or finding the right words.

• Use reminders, memos, and a calendar to help you perform your job effectively.

• Research early-retirement options.

• Educate yourself and family about employee benefits that may be available to you. Find out how to make benefit claims.

• When you stop working, find an activity to take the place of your job. Consider volunteer work or a new hobby.

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