Being diagnosed with dementia is a daunting prospect for many. All of a sudden, the trajectory of your entire life shifts and you’re facing a future that’s unknown and scary. You may feel unmoored, adrift and unsure of what’s ahead. Fortunately, there is more assistance available than ever to help you understand your diagnosis and move forward in a positive way.
“We’re fortunate to live in an age when there is more information and research taking place about dementia,” says Erica Labb, Executive Director of Bridges® by EPOCH at Westford. “Every day, we’re seeing advancements being made and more information unlocked that can help people currently living with this disease prepare, plan and live a high-quality life. We’re also gaining valuable knowledge from those individuals themselves.
What sort of things can people living with dementia teach us? Here are eight things that individuals with this disease share about what they wish they’d known sooner.
Don’t brush your symptoms under the rug.
In the early stages of dementia, you may find it easy to brush off your memory lapses or other issues as “senior moments.” Even if you notice that something is wrong – really wrong – it’s common to ignore it or otherwise convince yourself that everything’s fine and this is just a phase. Unfortunately, while this may help you cope during the day-to-day aspect, it means that valuable time is wasted. It’s possible that your symptoms are not due to dementia, but are related to another, completely treatable health issue altogether. Even if you are diagnosed with dementia, it’s better to diagnose it in the early stages so that effective medications can be prescribed and a care plan can be put in place, potentially halting or slowing the progress of the disease.
A dementia diagnosis doesn’t have to change your life immediately.
While the news is life-changing, your actions don’t have to be. In fact, in the early stages of dementia, your life probably won’t change too much. There are still many things you will be able to do yourself, and with the right care, you may be able to safely live independently for a while. Knowing that things will continue as normal for at least a little while can help you come to terms with the diagnosis and begin putting a long-term plan in place to prepare for changes down the road.
It’s always a good time to improve brain health.
Being diagnosed with dementia doesn’t mean you have to throw up your hands and not do anything about it. In fact, research shows that implementing brain health strategies can greatly affect brain function no matter what stage of cognitive decline you may be in. Keeping physically active, participating in activities and exercises that stimulate your mind and taking part in meaningful activities are all things you can start doing immediately to help improve your mental acuity, give you purpose and improve your quality of life.
Don’t wait to make the difficult decisions.
No one looks forward to having end-of-life discussions. After a dementia diagnosis, it’s common to want to “kick the can” down the road and avoid having those tough conversations. However, it’s important to begin these conversations as soon as you and your family are able to do so. While it’s a sobering prospect, it can actually be a blessing in disguise. By talking to your family members in the early stages about finances, setting up wills and trusts, putting together powers of attorney and creating a long-term care plan, you have the chance to make decisions for yourself and be heard. You’re also giving you and your family the gift of peace of mind, knowing that no matter how your health needs change over the coming years, your wishes will be respected.
Dementia doesn’t make you a bad person.
It can be hard for everyone when dementia causes frustration, anger and other outbreaks. However, remember that these are symptoms of the disease and don’t reflect on you personally. Everyone gets frustrated and everyone gets angry at times. Dementia also isn’t a punishment for what you’ve done in the past or because of lifestyle choices you’ve made.
Dementia doesn’t change who you are.
No matter what, no matter how the disease progresses, remember this: the disease does not define you. Your symptoms may change your behaviors, but who you are as a person will not change. You still have a past, meaningful relationships and a rich history that you and your family can draw on in the coming years. Even if you forget your loved one’s names or exactly how they’re related to you, it doesn’t change that you have a relationship and that it’s meaningful to you. Keep mementos and photos of your life around you to spur memories and give you opportunities to reminisce with your loved ones.
You are not alone.
It’s easy to feel isolated and lonely when you’re diagnosed with dementia, but knowing that there are others who are experiencing the same things can give you support and assistance. There are many support groups available in-person and online for people living with dementia (check out the Alzheimer’s Association for some helpful links). By sharing your stories, talking to people in the same place as you and learning about resources, you can experience a renewed sense of purpose and optimism.
You can still have a full, meaningful life.
While dementia means your life will change, it doesn’t mean that your life will stop. You will still have countless opportunities to experience joy, make memories, enjoy the little pleasures of life and learn new things. Talk to others with dementia and you’ll hear optimistic stories: spending time with friends, sharing laughs with family members and experiencing new things every day.
If you would like more information about how dementia can affect or shape your life, or want to learn more about our innovative dementia care programming, please contact us at 978.692.9541.
Innovative, Wellness-Focused Memory Care.
Bridges® by EPOCH at Westford provides assisted living memory care that is comfortable, positive, safe and engaging. Exclusively dedicated to caring for those with Alzheimer’s disease and other forms of dementia or memory impairment, we’ve created a wellness-focused lifestyle that promotes dignity and individual preferences. Our memory care professionals receive specialized and ongoing training designed to help residents maximize their independence in a secure, calm environment – making a truly positive impact on the lives of our residents each and every day.
Comprehensive Services
At Bridges® by EPOCH at Westford, we know no two residents are alike. That’s why we’ve designed our services to address the distinct challenges each resident faces. With comfort, safety and happiness as our top priorities, residents receive unmatched personalized attention, no matter the stage of memory loss.
Community Amenities
Bridges® by EPOCH at Westford features a beautiful residential design. Every inch has been thoughtfully designed to enhance the lives of those with memory loss. Soft colors, directional cues, aromatherapy and interactive life stations are placed throughout the community to create a peaceful and secure environment so residents may enjoy great comfort, familiarity and security.
Call us today at 978.692.9541 to learn more about Bridges® by EPOCH at Westford or to schedule a personal tour.