{"id":12731,"date":"2026-01-28T20:48:58","date_gmt":"2026-01-28T20:48:58","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/jamaicahospital.org\/newsletter\/?p=12731"},"modified":"2026-01-28T21:07:54","modified_gmt":"2026-01-28T21:07:54","slug":"what-to-do-next-after-receiving-a-dementia-diagnosis","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/jamaicahospital.org\/newsletter\/what-to-do-next-after-receiving-a-dementia-diagnosis\/","title":{"rendered":"What to Do Next After Receiving a Dementia Diagnosis"},"content":{"rendered":"<p><span data-contrast=\"auto\"><a href=\"https:\/\/jamaicahospital.org\/newsletter\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/01\/GettyImages-2185532094.jpg\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" class=\"size-medium wp-image-12735 alignright\" src=\"https:\/\/jamaicahospital.org\/newsletter\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/01\/GettyImages-2185532094-300x169.jpg\" alt=\"\" width=\"300\" height=\"169\" srcset=\"https:\/\/jamaicahospital.org\/newsletter\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/01\/GettyImages-2185532094-300x169.jpg 300w, https:\/\/jamaicahospital.org\/newsletter\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/01\/GettyImages-2185532094-1024x576.jpg 1024w, https:\/\/jamaicahospital.org\/newsletter\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/01\/GettyImages-2185532094-768x432.jpg 768w, https:\/\/jamaicahospital.org\/newsletter\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/01\/GettyImages-2185532094-1536x864.jpg 1536w, https:\/\/jamaicahospital.org\/newsletter\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/01\/GettyImages-2185532094-2048x1152.jpg 2048w, https:\/\/jamaicahospital.org\/newsletter\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/01\/GettyImages-2185532094-500x281.jpg 500w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 300px) 100vw, 300px\" \/><\/a>Receiving a dementia diagnosis can be devastating. Whether it is you are a loved one, several questions are raised after the diagnosis, namely \u201cWhat do I do next?\u201d <\/span><span data-ccp-props=\"{}\">\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span data-contrast=\"auto\">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:<\/span><span data-ccp-props=\"{}\">\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n<ol>\n<li><span data-contrast=\"auto\">Learn about and understand the specific dementia diagnosis, as it helps guide healthcare decisions, treatment options, and expectations for the future.<\/span><\/li>\n<\/ol>\n<p>Dementia is not a specific disease, but an overall term that describes a group of symptoms\u00a0such as\u00a0memory loss and the loss of other mental abilities severe enough to interfere with daily life. Dementia is\u00a0caused\u00a0by physical changes in the brain.\u00a0<span data-ccp-props=\"{}\">\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n<ul>\n<li><span data-contrast=\"auto\">Different types\u00a0of dementia include:<\/span><span data-ccp-props=\"{}\">\u00a0<\/span><\/li>\n<li><span data-contrast=\"auto\">Lewy Body Dementia and Parkinson\u2019s Disease<\/span><span data-ccp-props=\"{}\">\u00a0<\/span><\/li>\n<li><span data-contrast=\"auto\">Creutzfeldt-Jakob Disease<\/span><span data-ccp-props=\"{}\">\u00a0<\/span><\/li>\n<li><span data-contrast=\"auto\">Down Syndrome and Alzheimer\u2019s Disease<\/span><span data-ccp-props=\"{}\">\u00a0<\/span><\/li>\n<li><span data-contrast=\"auto\">Frontotemporal Dementia<\/span><span data-ccp-props=\"{}\">\u00a0<\/span><\/li>\n<li><span data-contrast=\"auto\">Huntington\u2019s Disease<\/span><span data-ccp-props=\"{}\">\u00a0<\/span><\/li>\n<li><span data-contrast=\"auto\">Korsakoff Syndrome<\/span><span data-ccp-props=\"{}\">\u00a0<\/span><\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<p><span data-contrast=\"auto\">There are many signs and symptoms of dementia. They include:<\/span><span data-ccp-props=\"{}\">\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n<ol>\n<li style=\"list-style-type: none\">\n<ul>\n<li><span data-contrast=\"auto\">Memory loss that disrupts daily life<\/span><span data-ccp-props=\"{}\">\u00a0<\/span><\/li>\n<li><span data-contrast=\"auto\">Challenges in planning or solving problems<\/span><span data-ccp-props=\"{}\">\u00a0<\/span><\/li>\n<li><span data-contrast=\"auto\">Difficulty completing familiar tasks<\/span><span data-ccp-props=\"{}\">\u00a0<\/span><\/li>\n<li><span data-contrast=\"auto\">Confusion with time and place<\/span><span data-ccp-props=\"{}\">\u00a0<\/span><\/li>\n<li><span data-contrast=\"auto\">Trouble understanding visual images and spatial relationships<\/span><span data-ccp-props=\"{}\">\u00a0<\/span><\/li>\n<li><span data-contrast=\"auto\">New problems\u00a0with words in speaking or writing<\/span><span data-ccp-props=\"{}\">\u00a0<\/span><\/li>\n<li><span data-contrast=\"auto\">Misplacing things and losing the ability to retrace steps<\/span><span data-ccp-props=\"{}\">\u00a0<\/span><\/li>\n<li><span data-contrast=\"auto\">Decreased or poor judgment<\/span><span data-ccp-props=\"{}\">\u00a0<\/span><\/li>\n<li><span data-contrast=\"auto\">Withdrawal from work or social activities<\/span><span data-ccp-props=\"{}\">\u00a0<\/span><\/li>\n<li><span data-contrast=\"auto\">Changes in mood and personality<\/span><span data-ccp-props=\"{}\">\u00a0<\/span><\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<\/li>\n<li>Communicate with you or your loved one\u2019s healthcare providers to discuss what can be expected and how to best manage symptoms. <span data-ccp-props=\"{}\">\u00a0<\/span><\/li>\n<li><span data-contrast=\"auto\">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\u2019s 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<\/span><\/li>\n<li><span data-contrast=\"auto\">Communicate with family members and caregivers openly about your or your loved one\u2019s diagnosis, any care preferences, and plans so that everyone is on the same page. <\/span><span data-ccp-props=\"{}\">\u00a0<\/span><\/li>\n<li><span data-contrast=\"auto\">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.<\/span><span data-ccp-props=\"{}\">\u00a0<\/span><\/li>\n<li><span data-contrast=\"auto\">Ask your or your loved one\u2019s healthcare provider about which treatments are available and recommended based on one\u2019s specific dementia diagnosis, and ask about eligibility for clinical trials.<\/span><span data-ccp-props=\"{}\">\u00a0<\/span><\/li>\n<li><span data-contrast=\"auto\">Start any of the recommended treatments or medications that may help manage dementia symptoms. Be sure to schedule regular appointments with your healthcare\u00a0providers so they can\u00a0monitor\u00a0the\u00a0condition and adjust care\u00a0as needed. Monitor your symptoms and keep your healthcare providers\u00a0up to date with them so they can offer any interventions that can help\u00a0with any new symptoms that present themselves.<\/span><span data-ccp-props=\"{}\">\u00a0<\/span><\/li>\n<li><span data-contrast=\"auto\">Remove any household hazards that may lead to falls or injuries. According to the Alzheimer\u2019s 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\u2019t have dementia. It is important to note that falls are the leading cause of death for that age group.<\/span><span data-ccp-props=\"{}\">\u00a0<\/span><\/li>\n<\/ol>\n<p><span data-contrast=\"auto\">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. <\/span><span data-ccp-props=\"{}\">\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span data-contrast=\"auto\">If you or a loved one\u00a0is\u00a0experiencing any symptoms of dementia, you can consult with a neurologist at\u202f<\/span><a href=\"https:\/\/jamaicahospital.org\/clinical-services\/pain-management\/\"><span data-contrast=\"auto\">Jamaica Hospital Medical Center<\/span><\/a><span data-contrast=\"auto\">. To schedule an appointment, please call (718) 206-7246.<\/span><span data-ccp-props=\"{}\">\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span data-ccp-props=\"{}\">\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n<p class=\"disclaimer\">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.<strong>  PROMPTLY CONSULT YOUR PHYSICIAN OR CALL 911 IF YOU BELIEVE YOU HAVE A MEDICAL EMERGENCY.<\/strong> <\/p>","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"<p>Receiving a dementia diagnosis can be devastating. Whether it is you are a loved one, several questions are raised after the diagnosis, namely \u201cWhat do I do next?\u201d \u00a0 After receiving a dementia diagnosis, it is important to be as &hellip; <a href=\"https:\/\/jamaicahospital.org\/newsletter\/what-to-do-next-after-receiving-a-dementia-diagnosis\/\">Continue reading <span class=\"meta-nav\">&rarr;<\/span><\/a><\/p>\n","protected":false},"author":43,"featured_media":0,"comment_status":"closed","ping_status":"closed","sticky":false,"template":"","format":"standard","meta":{"footnotes":""},"categories":[5,1,61,14,63,399,4],"tags":[2173,2296,2295],"class_list":["post-12731","post","type-post","status-publish","format-standard","hentry","category-general-health","category-health","category-lifestyle","category-mens-health","category-mental-health","category-neurological-disorder","category-womens-health","tag-dementia","tag-dementia-diagnosis","tag-what-to-do-next-after-receiving-a-dementia-diagnosis"],"_links":{"self":[{"href":"https:\/\/jamaicahospital.org\/newsletter\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/12731","targetHints":{"allow":["GET"]}}],"collection":[{"href":"https:\/\/jamaicahospital.org\/newsletter\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts"}],"about":[{"href":"https:\/\/jamaicahospital.org\/newsletter\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/types\/post"}],"author":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/jamaicahospital.org\/newsletter\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/users\/43"}],"replies":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/jamaicahospital.org\/newsletter\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/comments?post=12731"}],"version-history":[{"count":3,"href":"https:\/\/jamaicahospital.org\/newsletter\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/12731\/revisions"}],"predecessor-version":[{"id":12736,"href":"https:\/\/jamaicahospital.org\/newsletter\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/12731\/revisions\/12736"}],"wp:attachment":[{"href":"https:\/\/jamaicahospital.org\/newsletter\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media?parent=12731"}],"wp:term":[{"taxonomy":"category","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/jamaicahospital.org\/newsletter\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/categories?post=12731"},{"taxonomy":"post_tag","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/jamaicahospital.org\/newsletter\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/tags?post=12731"}],"curies":[{"name":"wp","href":"https:\/\/api.w.org\/{rel}","templated":true}]}}