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DEMENTIA DIAGNOSIS: what are the next steps? Receiving a dementia diagnosis can be a difficult <strong>and</strong> overwhelming experience. It is important to underst<strong>and</strong> what dementia is <strong>and</strong> how it affects the brain. Dementia is a general term that describes a decline in cognitive function severe enough to interfere with daily life. It is caused by damage to brain cells, which affects thinking, behaviour, <strong>and</strong> feelings. There are different types of dementia, including Alzheimer’s disease, vascular dementia, <strong>and</strong> Lewy body dementia. Each type of dementia has its own set of symptoms <strong>and</strong> progression. Underst<strong>and</strong>ing the type of dementia <strong>and</strong> its symptoms can help individuals <strong>and</strong> their families better cope with the diagnosis <strong>and</strong> plan for the future. After receiving a dementia diagnosis, it is important to seek practical advice on how to cope with the changes that may occur. Simple strategies can make a big difference in day-to-day life. For example, providing clear <strong>and</strong> simple instructions can help individuals with dementia better underst<strong>and</strong> <strong>and</strong> complete tasks. It is also important to recognise the coping strategies of the person with dementia <strong>and</strong> see things from their perspective. Seeking support from organisations such as the Alzheimer’s Society <strong>and</strong> the Contented Dementia Trust can provide individuals <strong>and</strong> their families with helpful resources <strong>and</strong> guidance on how to manage the diagnosis. It is important to care for oneself <strong>and</strong> seek emotional support after receiving a dementia diagnosis. This may include making regular appointments with a primary care doctor or specialist, such as a neurologist or geriatric psychiatrist. Additionally, caregivers should acknowledge their feelings <strong>and</strong> seek practical help <strong>and</strong> emotional support when needed. Asking doctors about trials or studies <strong>and</strong> contacting dementia charities for potential research opportunities can also provide individuals <strong>and</strong> their families with hope for the future. Planning for the future <strong>and</strong> making necessary preparations, such as legal <strong>and</strong> financial planning, can also aid the feeling of control during this difficult time. NEXT STEPS AFTER A DEMENTIA DIAGNOSIS Receiving a dementia diagnosis can be overwhelming <strong>and</strong> emotional. However, it is essential to take the next steps to manage the condition effectively. Recognising that dementia affects a person’s abilities <strong>and</strong> treating them with dignity <strong>and</strong> respect is crucial. Therefore, it is important to educate oneself <strong>and</strong> loved ones about the diagnosis <strong>and</strong> the best ways to provide care <strong>and</strong> support. Legal <strong>and</strong> financial planning is another critical step. It is essential to establish consent to manage finances <strong>and</strong> consider being named as a power of attorney. Consulting a later life legal specialist can ease the burden. Additionally, it is important to have important legal documents in place, such as a Will, power of attorney, <strong>and</strong> advanced directives for healthcare. Building a support network <strong>and</strong> exploring care-giving options is also necessary after a dementia diagnosis. Care-giving can be challenging <strong>and</strong> impact the care-giver’s health, so it is crucial to reach out to organisations that can provide assistance. Asking friends <strong>and</strong> family for help with daily needs such as cooking, transportation, <strong>and</strong> shopping can also be beneficial. Providing choices <strong>and</strong> recognising the person’s coping strategies can also help with care-giving. Improving communication skills is also essential to reduce stress <strong>and</strong> improve the quality of the relationship with the person with dementia. PRACTICAL ADVICE FOR COPING WITH DEMENTIA Being diagnosed with dementia can be overwhelming, but there are practical steps that individuals can take to cope with the diagnosis. One of the most important steps is to maintain a healthy lifestyle. This includes eating a balanced diet, getting regular exercise, <strong>and</strong> getting enough sleep. Participating in activities that one enjoys can also help improve mood <strong>and</strong> overall well-being. Additionally, seeking support from family members, friends, or local services can help with routine tasks such as cooking, transportation, <strong>and</strong> shopping. By prioritising a healthy lifestyle <strong>and</strong> seeking support, individuals with dementia can better manage their symptoms <strong>and</strong> maintain their independence. When engaging in activities or hobbies, it’s important to keep things simple, reduce distractions, <strong>and</strong> break activities down into manageable steps. Working with an occupational therapist can also help individuals with dementia stay independent <strong>and</strong> learn new ways to manage daily tasks. Coping with memory loss <strong>and</strong> communication challenges can be difficult, but there are strategies that can help. Breaking tasks down into smaller, simpler steps <strong>and</strong> using written instructions can be helpful. It’s also important to be clear <strong>and</strong> concise in communication, repeating things as needed <strong>and</strong> reducing extraneous noise <strong>and</strong> distractions. Encouraging the use of memory aids, such as a notebook or smart phone, can also be helpful in managing short-term memory loss. Joining a support group or attending counselling sessions can make a world of difference in terms of managing the emotional <strong>and</strong> practical impacts of living with dementia. Support groups offer a chance to connect with others who can provide advice <strong>and</strong> underst<strong>and</strong>ing, as well as to simply listen <strong>and</strong> create a sense of community. COGNITIVE BEHAVIOURAL THERAPY (CBT) Continued Cognitive Behavioural Therapy (CBT) is an effective therapy for helping those with memory loss manage their emotions <strong>and</strong> behaviour. It focuses on problem solving <strong>and</strong> helps individuals identify their triggers <strong>and</strong> develop coping strategies to manage them. CBT can help individuals with dementia recognise the connections between their thoughts, feelings, <strong>and</strong> behaviours, <strong>and</strong> help them adjust to the changes in their life caused by dementia. One of the most important next steps after a dementia diagnosis is to reach out for help <strong>and</strong> support. For more resources <strong>and</strong> support, please visit dementiauk.org www.minervamagazines.co.uk | 41
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