I Have Dementia

When you find out you have dementia, many thoughts and feelings will surface. What does this mean? What does the future hold? What am I going to do? It may be very hard to believe that this has happened to you. You may be unable to hide your symptoms and how you as an individual react to having a lifelong disease will be very different from other people.

The fear of how the situation should be handled may contribute to you denying having dementia. On the other hand, it may come as a relief to know what is wrong with you. It makes it easier to talk with your immediate family.

In order to help yourself, you will need support from your immediate family and your friends.

• Remember, you need to live each day with your disease in the best manner possible.
• Confide in your immediate family, the people who know you the best. Their support is the best help.
• Talk with them about what your diagnosis involves.
• If you do not have a lot of family, friends and acquaintances, it may be helpful to talk with your doctor or another professional person. For example, a social worker.