Dementia Diagnosis: What does it mean?
This month we’ll continue our journey with our fictional grandmother, Georgia, and her daughter Kimberly. If you haven’t had a chance to read last month’s blog, I encourage you to go back and read it when you’re able. Georgia has had her daughter, Kimberly, helping her with doctor’s appointments and medical tests. For a few months, Georgia’s memory has been diminishing and it has been affecting her daily life. Now, Georgia has received confirmation: she has Alzheimer’s with mixed dementia.
Georgia is beside herself, unsure of how to tell her daughter the news. While Kimberly expected this, it’s still a shock to Georgia herself. What does this mean for her future? Can she still live on her own? Will she need to move in with her daughter and rely on her for care? How can she prepare herself and her family for the changes that will happen?
Georgia is dealing with common questions many people with dementia must ask—many about the uncertainty of the situation and their loved ones. Let’s delve into some of the most common questions that come up with a diagnosis of dementia.
What is Dementia?
Dementia is not an illness in and of itself, but rather a group of symptoms, characterized as the inability to think, remember, or make decisions, and interferes with doing everyday activities. Alzheimer’s disease is the most common form of dementia. Most of the challenges around dementia come from losing the context of choices, such as leaving the stove on after using it.
Persons with dementia often have trouble remembering from the past or present. Sometimes, they may make poor decisions due to a lack of awareness and emotional regulation.
Medically, dementia is caused by damage to or loss of nerve cells and their connections in the brain as well as physical damage to the brain itself. As a result of this damage, certain areas of the brain will begin to falter. This usually manifests through memory, behavior, and occasionally motor function. Unlike normal aging, people with dementia will lose important aspects of their life. For example, a senior with brain changes may not remember their birthday, family member’s names, or where they are in their home when they otherwise would.
How should I tell my family and friends?
Sharing the news with someone can be the most important step in your dementia journey. A supportive team behind you can help not only with symptoms but also morale.
When deciding to tell someone, we suggest starting with relatives and family—the people who love you the most and will be the most supportive. In some cases, your loved ones may have been helping you with your appointments already.
It’s also critical to inform people who will be your care team of care partners as your brain changes. These will be people who advocate for your decisions. While family usually comes to mind, you may also have friends who will be your support while you are moving through your journey.
After you’ve decided who you should tell, you should plan to meet them in person. Depending on your comfort level, you may want to do so individually, in small groups, or everyone at once. We recommend going somewhere familiar and that’s private, as it may be helpful to have comfort and privacy.
Let your loved ones know that this conversation is important. If they live far away, you should make time to call them and tell them the news when they are available.
In either case, you could offer information or brochures you have gathered about your diagnosis. Educating your support team and having a close connection with them through the journey is paramount to successfully living with the disease.
How should I prepare for my future?
Once you tell your loved ones, you should start making plans for your care team. A care team is a group of people behind you who will help you on your journey. They are composed of loved ones, doctors, friends, and community programs.
Check with your local Department of Aging and your regional chapter of the Alzheimer’s Association for a list of offered programs for seniors or those with brain changes. Your state or county’s Department of Aging may offer transportation, meals, housecleaning, or even assistance with housing.
Besides a care team, you may also want to make financial, legal, and end-of-life plans. This includes deciding on your POA and informing loved ones of where money and debts are. When looking for lawyers, you should check for elder care legal teams. While these are difficult and often stressful decisions, your care team can be a strong foundation to help and guide you.
Conclusion
While there are many steps to take after being diagnosed, your first focus should be on yourself. Any diagnosis can be difficult to navigate so it’s important to take time for yourself.
Loved ones around you can help as you adjust to this new reality and be supportive while you begin on this journey. Once you have an organized plan, you’ll be able to traverse this new landscape with your care team at your side.
If you are living in the Maryland area and would like some help, please contact us at info@Inspired-Joy.com.
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