Dementia Australia | The Dementia Guide

Your feelings
A diagnosis of dementia can cause a range of
emotions. It can also have a big impact on family
and friends.
If you, or somebody close to you, has recently
been diagnosed with dementia you might feel
angry, annoyed, frustrated, worried, fearful, sad,
embarrassed, lonely, guilty or even relieved at being
given an explanation for the issues or symptoms you
have been experiencing. Everyone is different, but
all these reactions are normal. How you feel may
change from day to day.
If you can, talk to family and friends about how you
are feeling. Other people want to understand what
you are going through. They might be finding things
difficult too, so talking can help you and them. There
are also various professionals you can talk to for
support.
Your plans for the future might change in light of
your diagnosis, but dementia doesn’t change who
you are. It doesn’t mean you need to stop doing the
things you enjoy, but you might have to do them in a
different way.