Receiving a dementia diagnosis can be devastating. Whether it is you are a loved one, several questions are raised after the diagnosis, namely “What do I do next?”
After receiving a dementia diagnosis, it is important to be as proactive as possible. There are several steps you can take to help you or a loved one plan for the future, as well as help everyone involved feel that they are informed, supported, and less alone. Steps include:
- Learn about and understand the specific dementia diagnosis, as it helps guide healthcare decisions, treatment options, and expectations for the future.
Dementia is not a specific disease, but an overall term that describes a group of symptoms such as memory loss and the loss of other mental abilities severe enough to interfere with daily life. Dementia is caused by physical changes in the brain.
- Different types of dementia include:
- Lewy Body Dementia and Parkinson’s Disease
- Creutzfeldt-Jakob Disease
- Down Syndrome and Alzheimer’s Disease
- Frontotemporal Dementia
- Huntington’s Disease
- Korsakoff Syndrome
There are many signs and symptoms of dementia. They include:
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- Memory loss that disrupts daily life
- Challenges in planning or solving problems
- Difficulty completing familiar tasks
- Confusion with time and place
- Trouble understanding visual images and spatial relationships
- New problems with words in speaking or writing
- Misplacing things and losing the ability to retrace steps
- Decreased or poor judgment
- Withdrawal from work or social activities
- Changes in mood and personality
- Communicate with you or your loved one’s healthcare providers to discuss what can be expected and how to best manage symptoms.
- Plan for the future by consulting with various financial and legal experts to discuss advance care directives, such as a living will and durable power of attorney, as they outline any wishes for future medical treatment and designate someone to make decisions on your or your loved one’s behalf if/when you are unable to. A financial adviser can help you or your loved one organize and manage any expenses that may relate to long-term care
- Communicate with family members and caregivers openly about your or your loved one’s diagnosis, any care preferences, and plans so that everyone is on the same page.
- Maintain any and all social connections and participate in activities that encourage cognitive function. Maintaining a support network is important, as dealing with dementia can make you or a loved one feel isolated.
- Ask your or your loved one’s healthcare provider about which treatments are available and recommended based on one’s specific dementia diagnosis, and ask about eligibility for clinical trials.
- Start any of the recommended treatments or medications that may help manage dementia symptoms. Be sure to schedule regular appointments with your healthcare providers so they can monitor the condition and adjust care as needed. Monitor your symptoms and keep your healthcare providers up to date with them so they can offer any interventions that can help with any new symptoms that present themselves.
- Remove any household hazards that may lead to falls or injuries. According to the Alzheimer’s Association, adults ages 65 and older living with dementia are at a 45.5% risk of getting injured or dying from falls, compared to 30.9% of people in the same age group who don’t have dementia. It is important to note that falls are the leading cause of death for that age group.
A dementia diagnosis is a difficult time for any family that must experience it. It is important to make sure that you, your loved ones, and any caregivers are prepared for the challenges that may arise on this journey.
If you or a loved one is experiencing any symptoms of dementia, you can consult with a neurologist at Jamaica Hospital Medical Center. To schedule an appointment, please call (718) 206-7246.
All content of this newsletter is intended for general information purposes only and is not intended or implied to be a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis or treatment. Please consult a medical professional before adopting any of the suggestions on this page. You must never disregard professional medical advice or delay seeking medical treatment based upon any content of this newsletter. PROMPTLY CONSULT YOUR PHYSICIAN OR CALL 911 IF YOU BELIEVE YOU HAVE A MEDICAL EMERGENCY.