North Hampshire Lifestyle Jul - Aug 2023

DEMENTIA
DIAGNOSIS:
what are the next steps?
Receiving a dementia diagnosis can be a
difficult and overwhelming experience. It
is important to understand what dementia
is and 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, and feelings. There
are different types of dementia, including
Alzheimer’s disease, vascular dementia,
and Lewy body dementia. Each type of
dementia has its own set of symptoms
and progression. Understanding the type
of dementia and its symptoms can help
individuals and their families better cope
with the diagnosis and 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 and simple instructions
can help individuals with dementia better
understand and complete tasks. It is
also important to recognise the coping
strategies of the person with dementia
and see things from their perspective.
Seeking support from organisations
such as the Alzheimer’s Society and the
Contented Dementia Trust can provide
individuals and their families with helpful
resources and guidance on how to
manage the diagnosis.
It is important to care for oneself and
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
and seek practical help and emotional
support when needed. Asking doctors
about trials or studies and contacting
dementia charities for potential research
opportunities can also provide individuals
and their families with hope for the
future. Planning for the future and making
necessary preparations, such as legal
and 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 and emotional. However,
it is essential to take the next steps
to manage the condition effectively.
Recognising that dementia affects a
person’s abilities and treating them with
dignity and respect is crucial. Therefore, it
is important to educate oneself and loved
ones about the diagnosis and the best
ways to provide care and support.
Legal and financial planning is another
critical step. It is essential to establish
consent to manage finances and 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, and advanced
directives for healthcare.
Building a support network and exploring
care-giving options is also necessary
after a dementia diagnosis. Care-giving
can be challenging and impact the
care-giver’s health, so it is crucial to
reach out to organisations that can
provide assistance. Asking friends and
family for help with daily needs such as
cooking, transportation, and shopping
can also be beneficial. Providing choices
and recognising the person’s coping
strategies can also help with care-giving.
Improving communication skills is also
essential to reduce stress and 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, and
getting enough sleep. Participating in
activities that one enjoys can also help
improve mood and overall well-being.
Additionally, seeking support from family
members, friends, or local services can
help with routine tasks such as cooking,
transportation, and shopping. By
prioritising a healthy lifestyle and seeking
support, individuals with dementia can
better manage their symptoms and
maintain their independence.
When engaging in activities or hobbies,
it’s important to keep things simple,
reduce distractions, and break activities
down into manageable steps. Working
with an occupational therapist can also
help individuals with dementia stay
independent and learn new ways to
manage daily tasks.
Coping with memory loss and
communication challenges can be
difficult, but there are strategies that
can help. Breaking tasks down into
smaller, simpler steps and using written
instructions can be helpful. It’s also
important to be clear and concise in
communication, repeating things as
needed and reducing extraneous noise
and 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 and practical impacts of living
with dementia. Support groups offer
a chance to connect with others who
can provide advice and understanding,
as well as to simply listen and 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 and behaviour. It focuses on
problem solving and helps individuals
identify their triggers and develop coping
strategies to manage them. CBT can
help individuals with dementia recognise
the connections between their thoughts,
feelings, and behaviours, and 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 and support.
For more resources and support,
please visit dementiauk.org
30 | www.minervamagazines.co.uk