A dementia diagnosis can be a frightening experience. Informing yourself will help ease anxiety and empower individuals. There are many ways to empower yourself and feel informed about Alzheimer’s.
This article will discuss dementia briefly and provide you with a checklist of tasks you can complete when you ask, “Where do I go next?”
Dealing with Your Emotions Following a Dementia Diagnose
When dementia is diagnosed, a variety of emotions are often experienced. You may feel anger, sadness, or relief. We’ll go through the most common emotions that you might feel after a diagnosis, and discuss how to deal with them.
You may experience a range of emotions after receiving a diagnosis of dementia.
- Denial: You may be overwhelmed by the information and end up in denial. If you’re having trouble accepting your diagnosis, it’s okay to ask for a second opinion.
- Relief: A diagnosis of dementia may help you understand your past emotions and behaviors. Answers can empower you and provide direction for the future.
- Fear: Memory loss and dementia can be frightening. You may fear the future or struggle to trust others.
- Anger: You may experience overwhelming feelings of anger. You may feel an injustice or a loss of control.
- In times of sadness, you may feel like no one is able to understand your situation. You may turn away from others. When you receive a diagnosis of dementia, you may feel grief over what you have lost.
It is important that you acknowledge and support your feelings after a diagnosis of dementia. This list will help you to create a plan for emotional support:
- After a diagnosis, journal your feelings. Journaling is a proven way to relieve stress and gain new perspective.
- Speak to your family and friends about how you feel after receiving the diagnosis. Tell them how they can help you (e.g., daily checking-ins on the phone or face to face, accompanying you for appointments or distracting you with other activities).
- Join a group of people who have been diagnosed with dementia. Many support groups are available online through Zoom, with the option of in-person support. Click Here to see a list services in the United States. Click Here to see a list services in the United Kingdom.
- Keep doing the things you love. You may feel alone or unable to engage in the activities you enjoy after receiving an Alzheimer’s diagnosis. It is important to stay active and involved in your life, unless your doctor says otherwise.
Inform yourself about your diagnosis
The stigma surrounding a dementia diagnosis and the preconceived notions about those with Alzheimer’s are overwhelming. You can feel empowered by learning more about dementia and the care you need for your specific case.
According to the CDC stigmatization can lead people who think they may have dementia to delay seeking medical attention. The stigma can also prevent caregivers and families from accepting a diagnosis for a friend or family member.
The Alzheimer’s Association suggests that you:
- Openly discussing your diagnosis.
- Share accurate information about your illness.
- Support from friends, family or community groups.
- Consider your diagnosis as a learning opportunity.
- Advocate for more research and support by participating in trials.
Plan for Your Future
Even though it can be frightening to consider your future following a diagnosis of memory loss, the better prepared you are the more confident you will feel. Many care options are available for people with dementia. When planning for the future, here are some things to keep in mind:
- Plan your future in terms of legal, financial and medical aspects. The Alzheimer Association website has a wealth of resources.
- Consult an attorney to update or create your living will.
- Consider financing and long-term care options. There are several care options including customized home care services for dementia and assisted living.
- Learn about the coverage you have for prescription medications and medical care.
- Note the transportation services as well as other programs that are available to those living with dementia.
You can read more about it here:
After a dementia diagnosis, people can feel overwhelmed and afraid. However, medical care and strategic planning will help to ease anxiety and empower them to live their desired life. The summary of this article will help you identify the options available to you.
- Get emotional support following a diagnosis of memory loss
- Keep yourself busy with the things you love.
- Speak openly with your community about your diagnosis to remove stigma.
- Consult an attorney to create a will.
- Research services in your locality, such as transportation, housing and healthcare, to create a plan for long-term care.
It is important to remember that a dementia diagnosis can be life-changing but not life-destroying. Never forget that you are not the only one.
Author Bio
Kevin Yancul is an author who writes about topics relating to education, science, and health. He also enjoys photography, both as a hobby and to inspire his writing.
