How Life May Change After a Dementia Diagnosis

A dementia diagnosis is the beginning of a complicated journey. Dementia affects the ability to remember a scope of things from core memories to new information, as well as the capacity to function normally, and eventually basic tasks such as eating or speaking. As the condition has no cure, there will be some big decisions to be made when the initial shock has worn off. This guide explains some of the initial ways life might change after diagnosis. 

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Living Arrangements

Some people deteriorate rapidly while others fade after a long time. Whichever category the patient falls into, at some point it will be necessary to arrange suitable living accommodations to enable the correct level of support and care. There are memory care facilities all over the continent, and every state has something good to offer to offset the unsuitable options. To find the best place, you have to do some research and visit some credible establishments, like the Parc Provence range of memory care accommodations. Look at the staff, the residents, and the activities on offer to get a wider sense of how a facility is run and decide whether or not it is a good fit. 

Behavioral Changes

There are some core characteristics commonly associated with the first, intermediary, and final stages of dementia. Confusion, general disorientation, loss of verbal reasoning, forgetfulness, random wandering, and an absent-minded or spaced-out appearance are all red flags to watch out for, especially in seniors where the disease is more prevalent. Some of these may already be happening, and the reasons why a diagnosis was sought in the first place. These symptoms get worse and more frequent as time moves forward. 

Mental Health

The initial news often sparks a mixture of feelings for the sufferer and their family or close friends too. This health condition has a major impact, so that is a natural response. Anxiety is a common occurrence and may already be happening because of the confusion around the circumstances. Feeling disorientated is not nice and often leans into a sense of loss of autonomy and self-assurance. These are all fundamentally desired traits that every person strives for, so to lose them naturally has a range of consequences, one of which is anxiety and potential depression. 

Physical Complications

Finally, there are also physical complications that arise as a result of this condition. People may forget how to walk or eat or even sit properly. Posture is one of the first things to be affected, and the back might begin to stoop. Walking is often tiring further on and sleep patterns are disrupted too. Dementia patients fall often, which can be serious in the elderly and lead to a complete halt in mobility capacity. 

While this may feel a lot to process, it is better to have all the facts at your disposal than to move forward blindly. When symptoms begin to worsen, researching methods of how to alleviate them is empowering and can give back a sense of control.

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