Maintaining Skills
If you have dementia people may assume that you can no longer do certain things, but this is not always the case. Try to explain this to the people who matter, such as friends and family members. The Alzheimer's Society has an advice sheet for carers about maintaining skills.
Work
Some people who have dementia are able to continue working for a time after receiving a diagnosis. Carers may also want or need to continue working. Our Employment section has more information.
Driving
Being given a diagnosis of dementia does not automatically exclude you from driving, however there is a legal obligation to inform the DVLA of the diagnosis. The car insurance company must also be informed immediately.
Our Driving and Dementia page has more detailed information.
Everyday Activities
As dementia progresses you will find you start to need more help from other people with everyday activities, such as cooking a meal. However just because you need someone's help does not mean they should completely take over; it is important to continue doing the things you can, or you are likely to start feeling frustrated, and may become de-skilled.
Try to focus on the things you can do, rather than on the things you can no longer do. It is helpful if friends and family can also focus on the positive as much as possible. You may even find you rediscover joy in things you had lost in the busyness of life.
Many people stop reading as dementia progresses, and may also lose interest in the television generally. However certain television programmes may still be enjoyed, such as a favourite soap opera with familiar characters, or a programme associated with a passion such as history or dancing.
Lots of people who have dementia continue to enjoy walking, music, or the company of a pet animal.
The Alzheimer's Society has an advice sheet for carers about Hobbies, pastimes and everyday activities.
Alzheimer Scotland also have a useful resource, called Activities: a guide for carers of people with dementia.
