What to do if you're diagnosed with a dementia
Dementia is a name of a condition, it is not a person. Each person, as they live with a dementia, will experience things that are individual to them. If you have been diagnosed, there is information and support to help you to live well with the condition.
A dementia diagnosis can help uncertainty
A diagnosis of a dementia can be difficult news. An explanation of what the problem is, and what can be done about it, may help reduce some of the worry caused by uncertainty.
If you've been diagnosed with a dementia, it might help to talk it through with family and friends.
You can get help and support available from:
- health services
- social services
- voluntary organisations
Why it is important to plan ahead
Dementia is a progressive condition that is individual to each person. A timely diagnosis can help you plan ahead.
Key things to consider include:
- staying well
- services and support - find out what's available locally
- legal and financial issues
Looking after your property and money
You may want help to manage your property and financial affairs.
You can formally appoint a friend, relative or professional to act on your behalf, by giving them a Power of Attorney.
To read more about enduring power of attorney, go to:
Looking after your health and wellbeing
Looking after your health and wellbeing is important for everyone, including people with a dementia. If you are living with a dementia, key things include:
- looking after your health
- maintaining a social life
- ways to combat sleep problems in dementia
- keeping active and occupied
- self care in dementia
To read more about living well with a dementia, go to the NHS website.
Financial matters
There are different benefits and financial support available if you have a dementia or support someone with a dementia. To find out about help and support, speak to your key worker.
Driving and dementia
Some people with dementia prefer to give up driving because they find it stressful, but others continue driving. To continue driving, you must tell the Driver and Vehicle Agency (DVA) that you have a dementia.
The DVA will ask for medical reports and possibly a special driving assessment to decide whether you can continue driving.
To read more, go to:
Where to find help and support
You can find more information and support services from the following organisations, see also ‘more useful links section’:
The Public Health Agency has also produced a range of information to help support people with a dementia, their families and friends.
This information includes the following publications:
- Ten common signs of dementia
- Early stages of dementia
- Communicating effectively with a person living with dementia
- Are you worried about dementia?
Dementia apps library
The ‘Apps4Dementia’ library is a digital service which groups together safe, trusted apps to provide information and guidance on the condition.
There a number of apps that offer support, self-care of symptoms and allow users to carry on with their day-to-day activities for as long as possible.
The information on this page was adapted from original content on NHS website.