A dementia diagnosis can be devastating for the person with the condition and their loved ones. It is natural you might feel a wide variety of emotions, such as anger, sadness, and denial.
While the prospect of losing your memory might be overwhelming, it is still possible to live a full life with dementia, and there are actions you can take to manage the condition. Read the below tips on how to cope with a dementia diagnosis.
Process a Diagnosis
As stated, you may experience a variety of emotions following a dementia diagnosis. Rather than bottling up how you’re feeling, give yourself time to process your condition, and don’t be afraid to cry, vent, or talk it through with your loved ones or a doctor. By doing so, you will soon be able to find a positive way to manage the syndrome.
Take Good Care of Your Health
A healthy lifestyle could slow down the progression of dementia and add many years to your life. For example, you should embrace a healthy diet, exercise daily, and drink plenty of water to avoid dehydration. You also must ensure you enjoy plenty of rest to recover from physical activity and emotional stress.
Connect with Others
Social interaction is key for slowing down the progression of dementia. Research has found that connecting with others could improve a person’s cognitive reserve, which may delay the onset of dementia. It is essential to talk to your family and friends both in person and via the telephone. Also, you could benefit from joining a local support group to mix with people living with dementia.
Think About Your Healthcare
There is no shame in seeking help when living with dementia. While the future might be daunting, knowing you have a senior living option in place could provide peace of mind that you’ll be well cared for in the future. For example, you could live in a memory care facility or opt for assisted living. Find out more about the different Premier Senior living options.
Reorganize Your Belongings
Reorganize your belongings across the home to ensure your much-used items are easy to find. For example, you should designate an accessible place for cookware, cutlery, and food staples. It might also help to add labels on drawers and cabinets, which can eliminate frustration and upset each day. You could even add post-it notes in different rooms to remind you to turn off appliances, attend medical appointments, or when to take the trash out.
Make Tweaks to Your Environment
People living with dementia will have a higher risk of experiencing a fall. Protect your health by making small changes to your home. For example, you should remove various trip hazards in rooms across the home, such as rugs and loose electrical cords. You also might need to add additional lighting to illuminate pathways.
It is important to remember that dementia doesn’t define you. If you care for your body, stimulate your mind, and socialize with others, you could slow down the progression of the condition.
