Living well with dementia

Stay socially active

Keeping in touch with people and engaging in social activities, such as going to the theatre or cinema, or being part of a walking group or choir, is good for your confidence and mental wellbeing.

If you have someone who helps care for you, an active social life is good for them, too.

Many venues and organisations are now dementia-friendly. For example, cinemas put on dementia-friendly screenings of the latest films, and leisure centres run dementia-friendly swimming sessions as well as other activities.

It's a good idea to join a local dementia-friendly group, perhaps at a memory café (a "dementia-friendly" café) or community centre. 

You can share experiences and use tips from others who are living with dementia.

• Activities for people with dementia

Telling people about your dementia

When you're ready, it's best to tell others about your diagnosis.

Explain what your diagnosis means and how they can help and support you.

For example, if you're no longer able to drive, they could take you to a weekly activity.

You may also lose touch with some people. This may be because you no longer do the activities together that you used to do, or you find it harder to stay in touch.

This can be hard to accept. But you can meet new people through activity and support groups. Focus on the people who are there for you.

• Dementia and relationships

Look after your health

It's important to look after your physical and mental health when you have dementia:

• eat a healthy, balanced diet and drink plenty of fluids.
• exercise regularly - this could be a daily walk or gardening, or you could try tai chi or dancing.
• ask your GP if you would benefit from the flu vaccine
• get enough sleep - avoid naps during the day and caffeine and alcohol at night
• have regular dental, eyesight and hearing check-ups

Depression is very common in dementia. Talk to your GP, as there are talking treatments that can help.

If you have a long-term condition, such as diabetes or coronary heart disease have regular check-ups with your GP, which should include a review of the medicines you're taking.

See your GP if you feel unwell, as things like chest or urine infections can make you feel very confused if they're not treated promptly.

Tips to help cope with dementia

Coping with memory loss can be distressing. But there are things that can help.

Try these tips:

• have a regular routine
• put a weekly timetable on the kitchen wall or fridge, and try to schedule activities for when you usually feel better (for example, in the mornings)
• put your keys in an obvious place, such as a large bowl in the hall
• keep a list of helpful numbers (including who to contact in an emergency) by the phone
• set up direct debit for regular bills so you don't forget to pay them
• use a pill organiser box (dosette box) to help you remember which medicines to take when (a pharmacist can help you get one)
• make sure your home in dementia-friendly and safe
• Staying independent with dementia
• The dementia guide: living well after your diagnosis

Extra help and support

In the early stages of dementia you may be able to live at home, continuing to enjoy doing the things you have always done and having an active social life.

As the illness progresses, it's likely that you'll need extra help with daily activities, such as:

• housework
• shopping
• cooking
• Help and support for people with dementia