After a dementia diagnosis is confirmed, it is often difficult to know where to start. There is a likelihood that by the time a professional opinion has been sought, the symptoms have been present for a while. Whether you catch it early or discover it later on, certain aspects of this condition are manageable. Here are five things you need to know after you get a dementia diagnosis about what the future could hold.
All About the Condition
The best first step is to dive headfirst into research about what this condition means. Dementia is a sub-branch of Alzheimer’s disease, which primarily affects memory and cognitive function. It leads to a depreciated quality of life and causes issues like a decreased capacity to eat or drink, mobility problems, verbal issues, and more. The patient will likely need an advanced level of care as the disease progresses to take hold of the body and mind. There is no cure, but there are medications that are able to ease some of the symptoms. When you understand what’s to come, you may not feel any less scared, but you will find peace in understanding. Eliminating the unknown out of any fearful situation is empowering.
The Care Options
In the later stages of dementia, care needs are an around the clock necessity. The sufferer will need assistance with hygiene, dressing, eating, and moving around. Not everyone has the capacity to do this for their loved ones as it is distressing and requires a specialist approach. Open your mind to care home and assisted living options and look for top rated memory care facilities near me that are able to facilitate and respond to the varied scope of care requirements. Regular care establishments for seniors may not have correctly trained or knowledgeable staff, which will cause unnecessary discomfort and stress for everyone involved.
The Importance of Remaining Social
Dementia can lead to isolation, mental health concerns, and a withdrawal from social circumstances. However, remaining social and in contact with people is more important than ever before. Even when it is hard or disorientating, staying close to loved ones and trusted people is a beacon of hope and resilience.
Dietary Issues that May Arise
This condition leads to a range of problems around eating and drinking from dysphagia to decreased motivation and everything in between. Being aware of potential red flags helps to combat the complications of malnutrition and dehydration. The healthcare scene has many options for making eating and drinking easier for those with issues, and the doctors involved need to manage dietary intake if and when it becomes a problem.
How to Support Quality of Life
Finally, supporting quality of life will always be of utmost importance. It is vital that, for as long as possible, the patient retains as much autonomy as they are able to. With the right support, independence is not out of reach in the early stages. Finding the best care team to maintain dignity and acceptable standards is therefore essential.
There are five things you have to know after a dementia diagnosis. Though the road is long, there are moments of peace.
