Receiving a diagnosis of early-stage dementia can be an overwhelming and emotional experience, both for the person diagnosed and their loved ones. Dementia, which includes conditions like Alzheimer’s disease and vascular dementia, affects memory, thinking, and behavior. Although it is a progressive condition, there are steps you can take early on to manage the disease, plan for the future, and improve quality of life. Understanding the early signs, seeking appropriate care, and preparing for what’s to come are all essential in dealing with early dementia.
These are the key steps to take if you or a loved one is dealing with early dementia.
Step 1: Understand the Diagnosis
Understanding the specifics of the dementia diagnosis is the first step in managing the condition. Early dementia is characterized by mild cognitive impairments that can include forgetfulness, difficulty concentrating, and trouble completing familiar tasks. While these changes can be subtle, they often affect daily life in noticeable ways.
It’s important to work with a healthcare provider, such as a neurologist or geriatrician, who can help explain the specific type of dementia, the likely progression of the disease, and the available treatment options. However, still take time to learn about the condition. Understanding the causes, symptoms, and treatments for dementia can help you or your loved one make informed decisions about care and lifestyle changes. Many organizations, such as the Alzheimer’s Association, offer educational resources and support for individuals and families coping with dementia.
Step 2: Create a Support System
Dealing with early dementia requires emotional, physical, and sometimes financial support. Having a strong support system in place can help you navigate the challenges that come with the diagnosis, so let close family members and trusted friends know about the diagnosis. This allows them to offer support, and open communication helps everyone understand the changes and challenges ahead. If you don’t have any close family or friends, support groups, either in person or online, can be an invaluable resource for individuals with dementia and their caregivers. These groups provide a safe space to share experiences, learn coping strategies, and gain emotional support from others facing similar challenges.
Step 3: Plan Ahead
Early dementia offers a window of time to plan ahead. Taking proactive steps while cognitive abilities are still intact can reduce future stress for the individual and their family. This should include discussing important legal and financial matters early on, like creating or updating wills, setting up power of attorney, and preparing advance healthcare directives. These documents will ensure that decisions about care and finances are made according to the individual’s wishes when they are no longer able to make them themselves.
At this point, you’ll also want to consider long-term living plans. While immediate care needs might be minimal, it’s important to explore long-term care options early. Consider whether in-home care is possible or whether moving into a care home in Exeter is a better option. For those that need round-the-clock care later on, the latter is a better option.
Although it can be a difficult conversation, discussing end-of-life preferences is also essential. This ensures that the individual’s wishes are known and respected when they can no longer express them.
Planning ahead for all of this can help ease the transition when the time comes.
Step 4: Make Lifestyle Changes
Certain lifestyle adjustments can help slow the progression of dementia and improve overall well-being. These changes can also help maintain independence for as long as possible. This means looking at diet and exercise routines. Keeping the brain active is also important to do, as is slow cognitive decline.
Step 5: Develop Coping Strategies for Memory Loss
As dementia progresses, memory loss becomes more prominent. Developing coping strategies early can help manage the symptoms and make day-to-day tasks easier. Set up reminders using calendars, notebooks, or smartphone apps to keep track of important dates, appointments, and tasks and label cabinets, drawers, or other items in the house to make it easier to find things.
Something that helps many people living with dementia is a daily routine. It provides structure and reduces confusion, so look at establishing consistent wake-up times, meal times, and bedtime routines to create a sense of familiarity and comfort.
Despite all this, it’s important to recognize when certain tasks become too difficult and to ask for assistance from family members or caregivers. Accepting help doesn’t mean giving up independence—it’s about creating a safer and more comfortable environment.
Step 6: Stay Positive and Focus on Quality of Life
Living with early dementia can be challenging, but it’s important to focus on maintaining a positive outlook and enjoying life. Take each day as it comes, celebrate small successes, and focus on activities that bring joy and fulfillment.
Conclusion
The early stages of dementia offer an opportunity to make important decisions, seek help, and focus on preserving quality of life. With the right steps, it’s possible to continue enjoying life’s moments while preparing for what lies ahead.
