Guidance and Preparation

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Recognizing the Symptoms

Being able to recognize the symptoms of dementia is not always easy. They can be slow to develop and it can take time to notice a pattern. Sometimes you might not recognize it in yourself but the people around you notice a problem. 

Resources for Recognizing the Symptoms

Do Memory Problems Always Mean Alzheimer’s Disease – From the National Institute on Aging

Types of Dementia

Most often when someone is showing the signs of dementia, it is from Alzheimer’s disease. There are, though, other forms of dementia that people experience. Each can look a bit different.

Resources on Types of Dementia

Getting the Diagnosis

It is important to talk with your Doctor about the changes your and/or the people around you are seeing. Talking with a Doctor helps to learn what might be causing problems and if there is anything that can be done to help. 

Resources for Getting the Diagnosis

When to Ask for Help – From the National Institute on Aging

Medical Test for Diagnosing – From the Alzheimer’s Association

Why Get Checked – From the Alzheimer’s Association

Visiting your Doctor – From the Alzheimer’s Association

Steps After Diagnosis

Listen to what others say about living with dementia.

Resources for Steps After Diagnosis

Life After Diagnosis – From the Alzheimer’s Association

Living Alone with Dementia – From the National Institute on Aging

Just Diagnosed – From the Alzheimer’s Association

Sharing the Diagnosis

For many knowing when to share the diagnosis with others can be stressful. Some can worry how others will treat them and others can worry when is the right time. There can be a stress in keeping a secret and many report feeling better once they have talked with at least a few people. 

Resources for Sharing the Diagnosis

Helping Family and Friends Understand Alzheimer’s Disease – From the National Institute on Aging

Sharing the Diagnosis – From the Alzheimer’s Association

Living Alone

Tips for living alone with dementia.

Resources for Living Alone

Tips for Living Alone with Early-Stage Dementia – from the National Institute on Aging

If You Live Alone – From the Alzheimer’s Association

Advanced Planning

When diagnosed with dementia, thinking about the future might feel overwhelming. Taking it a step at a time and talking with your family and others can help.

Resources on Advanced Planning

Plan for Your Future – From the Alzheimer’s Association

End of Life Decisions – From the Alzheimer’s Association

Being Prepared – From the National Institute on Aging

The Conversation Project – From the Institute for Healthcare Improvement

Getting Your Affairs in Order – From the National Instititute on Aging

Finding a Support Group

Being able to meet with others who are experiencing the same issues can be comforting. Right now many groups are meeting on online, which allows people from all over to attend. Others groups meets in person. Take time to see what works best for you.

Resources on Finding a Support Group

Participating in Research

Finding ways to stay active and engaged while living with dementia has benefit. For some being active and staying involved means participating in research. There are many different types of research so talk with others about what fits for you. With being involved in studies, there could be benefit for you or for others living with dementia. 

Resources on Participating in Research

Being Involved in Research – From the National Institute on Aging