I am living with dementia
If you have been diagnosed with dementia or suspect you might have dementia, you might have questions about your diagnosis or what the future might hold.
What is dementia?
Dementia is a word used to describe the brain changes that cause shifts in language, reasoning, or other mental abilities. These symptoms can make daily activities more challenging.
What causes dementia?
Dementia is caused by disease that damages brain cells. Different types of dementia include Alzheimer’s Disease, Vascular Dementia, Dementia with Lewy Bodies, or Parkinson’s Disease can be inherited, or acquired, for example, as the result of a brain injury. This damage leads to changes in the way we think, communicate, or behave.
Will the dementia get worse?
Many of the diseases that cause dementia do not currently have a cure, though there are medical and non-medical treatments to help manage the symptoms caused by dementia. Dementia is a degenerative disease which means the illness will progress over time. However, each person’s brain is different and each form of dementia has its own way of affecting the brain. As such, there is no strict timeline of progression.
What steps can be taken to slow the progression?
Treat underlying conditions that make symptoms worse, such as chronic illnesses like diabetes or heart disease, medication complications and sensory conditions like hearing loss.
Stay physically active
Protect your head
Avoid smoking and reduce alcohol intake
Get fresh air
Maintain a healthy diet and sleep habits
Socialize with others and build a support network
Keep your mind active
The Dementia Society advocates for and employs an individualized approach to care and always considers the person living with dementia and their unique needs and circumstances.
Connect with a Dementia Care Coach
A Dementia Care Coach provides expert emotional and practical support, and individualized care planning and coordination that improves the quality of life of caregivers, families and people living with dementia.
Get the support you need in the format that works best for you.
Find speaker series, videos, articles, activities, events, and fact sheets on many topics concerning brain health, dementia prevention, dementia and caring for someone living with dementia.
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