Taking It In
For some people, being given a diagnosis of dementia confirms what they themselves had suspected for some time. For other people it may come as a great shock, and take some time to sink in.
When you are ready, you will probably want to find out more about the type of dementia you have been diagnosed with. You may also have questions about what causes dementia.
The Alzheimer's Society has produced some helpful factsheets, that suggest things you can do that will help to make life easier and more enjoyable, both now and in the future. They are:
Lasting Power of Attorney (LPA)
A Lasting Power of Attorney (LPA) enables you to appoint one or more people who you trust to manage your affairs should this become necessary. The role of the LPA can extend to managing your finances, making decisions about your health and personal welfare all of which must be in your best interests.
Despite the formal title of "attorney" this can be anybody you trust - often a close friend or family members - but they must be at least 18 years old.
The Alzheimer's Society factsheet Enduring power of attorney, Lasting power of attorney and receivership has detailed 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.
Explaining to Children
You may wonder how to explain about the diagnosis to children in your life. The Alzheimer's Society factsheet Explaining to children gives some tips on how to address this. A number of books are also available. An excellent title you can view online, and print off if desired (36 pages), is The milk's in the oven.
Dental Care
Dental care is unlikely to be one of the first things you think about following a diagnosis of dementia, however it is very important to ensure that dentistry is all up to date, and/or false teeth satisfactory. This is important for a general sense of well-being, and also because some people may find visiting the dentist very distressing as dementia progresses.
Living Alone
A diagnosis of dementia does not have to mean leaving your home, even if you live alone. However you will probably want to have some extra support, especially as the disease progresses. The Alzheimer's Society Factsheet Living alone has further information.
