By using this site, you agree to the Privacy Policy and Terms of Use.
Accept
Health Works CollectiveHealth Works CollectiveHealth Works Collective
  • Health
    • Mental Health
  • Policy and Law
    • Global Healthcare
    • Medical Ethics
  • Medical Innovations
  • News
  • Wellness
  • Tech
Search
© 2023 HealthWorks Collective. All Rights Reserved.
Reading: Dealing With A Dementia Diagnosis: Helping Your Loved One
Share
Notification Show More
Font ResizerAa
Health Works CollectiveHealth Works Collective
Font ResizerAa
Search
Follow US
  • About
  • Contact
  • Privacy
© 2023 HealthWorks Collective. All Rights Reserved.
Health Works Collective > Wellness > Dealing With A Dementia Diagnosis: Helping Your Loved One
Wellness

Dealing With A Dementia Diagnosis: Helping Your Loved One

samcasteris
samcasteris
Share
6 Min Read
SHARE

 

Contents
  • Learn About Alzheimer’s and Where Your Parent Stands
  • Set Aside Time to Process Your Emotions
  • Encourage Your Parent to Share the News When Appropriate
  • Talk to Professionals About Care Options
  •  Form A Support Network and Actively Communicate

Watching your parents or older family members age and become less self-sufficient is one of the most difficult aspects of being an adult. No matter how much you mentally prepare for the role reversal of providing care for them in their elder years, no one is ready for their loved one to be diagnosed with dementia. The initial diagnosis can feel devastating, but there is a myriad of ways to proactively steer towards the best care for your loved ones. No matter how overwhelmed you feel by caring for your parent, you are not alone. There are many ways you can learn, plan and adapt after the diagnosis. Consider some of these options as you plan ahead for your parent’s Alzheimer’s care:

Learn About Alzheimer’s and Where Your Parent Stands

Most people in their early adulthood or midlife do not know about the stages, caregiving issues and other facets of Alzheimer’s because they haven’t experienced it firsthand. Your parent may have seen their friend or loved one experience the disease, but that does not mean that they have all of the information they will need to navigate their personal journey.

Take some time to read as much as you can and talk to your parent’s doctor about where they are in the progression of the disease and what steps you should take immediately and in the near future to help them. There are different treatments and lifestyle practices recommended for people based on a variety of indicators that can lighten the load or even forestall different aspects of dementia. Ask questions and learn as much as you can to make the most informed decisions for your parent’s care.

More Read

May is National Bike Month
5 Reasons Why KETO Diet Is Effective For Weight Loss
Drink Wine Fall Less
Alpha-Brainwave [Meditation] Time for Health and Happiness
Why Delaying Care For Minor Injuries Can Lead To Bigger Problems

Set Aside Time to Process Your Emotions

The initial moments after receiving the diagnosis are overwhelming, and the coming months and years can take many twists and turns as your loved one’s illness evolves. You will need to make room in your life to adapt to the ever-changing nature of their illness, which may make you feel complex emotions ranging from mourning and denial to grief and fear.

You are beginning a battle that is not defined on any known terms, and it is going to require an unknown amount of time and effort from both caregivers and your parent facing the illness. The most important first step is to allow everyone to feel and express their feelings, so you can process them in a healthy manner. The road ahead is going to be complicated and difficult at times, and the best way to prepare for such an emotional roller coaster is to build a strong foundation and understand that feeling hurt, lost, or overwhelmed is normal.

Encourage Your Parent to Share the News When Appropriate

Many people from your parents’ generation grew up in a time when sharing emotions publicly or admitting to experiencing mental health issues was a serious social taboo. Encouraging your parent to share their diagnosis may be a difficult conversation, but it is important for them to at least be open with their closest friends. Others can help provide support during the process and understand why they may experience different symptoms in their day-to-day interactions. Be sure your parent knows Alzheimer’s is a physical disease no different than heart disease or any other ailment. They should not feel ashamed of their diagnosis. If it becomes too difficult to discuss the diagnosis and symptoms with your loved one, consider asking a neutral third party like their doctor to discuss it with them.

Talk to Professionals About Care Options

Encouraging Use Of Respite Care: A Guide To Supporting Caregivers

A professional with experience navigating the many different treatment options can help you avoid the disorienting and isolating journey into figuring things out yourself. Even if you or your loved one have some experience with dementia, do not skip this step.

Use professionals to help you find the best local resources, understand how your parent’s illness might interact with other health issues, safety-proof their home, look into buying a more accessible car. Conversations about end of life care, money, and legal decisions are never easy, but it is of the utmost importance to have them while your parent is still able to actively express their wants and needs.

 Form A Support Network and Actively Communicate

Find someone outside of the family for your parent to talk to early in the process: a therapist, counselor, mentor or friend can help them vent frustrations and remind them that their feelings are valid. It is also important for you to do the same so you are not paralyzed by your parent’s needs. There are support groups for people with dementia and their family members which can be a fantastic resource coping with different situations and fighting feelings of isolation or loss.

TAGGED:dementiadementia diagnosiselder carefamily caresenior care
Share This Article
Facebook Copy Link Print
Share
By samcasteris
Follow:
Sam Casteris is a research-driven content writer with experience in health and wellness, travel, and finance.

Stay Connected

1.5kFollowersLike
4.5kFollowersFollow
2.8kFollowersPin
136kSubscribersSubscribe

Latest News

dental care
Importance of Good Dental Care for Health and Confidence
Dental health Specialties
October 2, 2025
AI in Healthcare
AI in Healthcare: Technology is Transforming the Global Landscape
Global Healthcare Policy & Law Technology
October 1, 2025
Choosing the Right Swimwear for Health and Safety
News
September 30, 2025
sports concussions
Concussion In Sports: How Common They Are And What You Need To Know
Infographics
September 28, 2025

You Might also Like

HIMSS 2014
BusinesseHealthHome HealthTechnology

A Meeting of Minds on the Value of Healthcare IT

February 22, 2014

5 Ways to Improve HCAHPS Ratings with a Patient Engagement System

August 15, 2016
immune system
Wellness

Gut Flora – Support for the Immune System

December 31, 2012
Wellness

The Relationship Between TBI and Dementia

December 3, 2015
Subscribe
Subscribe to our newsletter to get our newest articles instantly!
Follow US
© 2008-2025 HealthWorks Collective. All Rights Reserved.
  • About
  • Contact
  • Privacy
Welcome Back!

Sign in to your account

Username or Email Address
Password

Lost your password?