When we first hear the word, “Alzheimer’s,” we panic.

As adult children and caregivers, we want to swoop our parents in our arms and make this terrible disease go away. Sadly, we tend to rush in, take over, and overwhelm those we love with our worries and fears. Alzheimer’s isn’t a “life is over” right here and now type of disease, and if your parent is in the early stages, you have time to find out what’s best for them and what’s best for you.

First, I hope you take a little time to process the news, and to educate yourself. Talk to a good friend. Take a deep breath. Cry. Scream. Grieve. Ask questions. Search the web (the Alzheimer’s Association at www.alz.org is a great  place to start), get some books and start to make a plan–short term and long term.

Here are some questions to ask yourself:

• What stage Alzheimer’s is your parent at? No matter what the medical community tells you, how do you think your dad (or mom) is doing?
• How isolated is your parent? Could they get out and wander? Are they still driving? Do you or other family members live nearby? Are their neighbors caring? Is there church or family friends close and willing to pitch in?
• What community resources are available? Do your parents live in a rural area or near a city with lots of services available to them?
• Would it be best to hire live-in care? Move them into your home–or you move in with them? What about an assisted living facility–or is your parent’s Alzheimer’s more advanced? If so, start check out memory disorder facilities where they’ll be safe and not wander.

Don’t freak out. There’s a lot you can do to keep your parent’s brain and healthyand active as it can be. You can find your way. You can get the care your parent needs. It won’t necessarily be easy–I can’t promise you that–but trust yourself. You’ll figure it out.