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Coping and support

By Mayo Clinic staff

Receiving a diagnosis of dementia can be devastating to you and your loved ones. Many details need to be considered to ensure that you and those around you are as prepared as possible for dealing with a condition that's unpredictable and continually changing.

Care and support for the person with the disease
Throughout the disease, you may experience a wide range of feelings. Here are some suggestions you can try to help yourself cope:

  • Learn as much as you can about memory loss, dementia and Alzheimer's disease.
  • Write about your feelings about having dementia in a journal.
  • Join a local support group.
  • Get individual or family counseling.
  • Talk to a member of your church or another person who can help you with your spiritual needs.
  • Stay active and involved, volunteer, exercise, and participate in activities for people with memory loss.
  • Maintain contact and spend time with friends and family.
  • Participate in an online community of people who are having similar experiences.
  • Find new ways to express yourself, such as through painting, singing or writing.
  • Delegate help with decision making to someone you trust.
  • Be patient with yourself.

Helping someone with dementia
You can help a person cope with the disease by listening, reassuring the person that he or she still can enjoy life, being supportive and positive, and doing your best to help the person retain dignity and self-respect.

Caregiver support
Providing care for a person with dementia is physically and emotionally demanding. Often the primary caregiver is a spouse or other family member. Feelings of anger and guilt, frustration and discouragement, worry, grief, and social isolation are common. If you're a caregiver for someone with dementia:

  • Ask friends or other family members for help when you need it
  • Take care of your physical, emotional and spiritual health
  • Learn as much about the disease as you can
  • Ask questions of doctors, social workers and others involved in the care of your loved one
  • Join a support group
  • Find out about supportive services in your community, such as respite care or adult day care, which can provide you with a break from caregiving at scheduled times during the week
Prevention Alternative medicine
References
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  2. What is dementia? Alzheimer's Association. http://www.alz.org/what-is-dementia.asp. Accessed Jan. 18, 2013.
  3. Shadlen MF, et al. Evaluation of cognitive impairment and dementia. http://www.uptodate.com/home. Accessed Feb. 1, 2013.
  4. Hake AM, et al. Epidemiology, pathology, and pathogenesis of dementia with Lewy bodies. http://www.uptodate.com/home. Accessed Jan. 18, 2013.
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  9. Rodnicksky RL. Parkinson disease dementia. http://www.uptodate.com/home. Accessed Feb. 11, 2013.
  10. Press D, et al. Prevention of dementia. http://www.uptodate.com/home. Accessed Dec. 20, 2012.
  11. Neurological diagnostic tests and procedures. National Institute of Neurological Disorders and Stroke. http://www.ninds.nih.gov/disorders/misc/diagnostic_tests.htm. Accessed Jan. 28, 2013.
  12. Shadlen MF, et al. Risk factors for dementia. http://www.uptodate.com/home. Accessed Jan. 18, 2013.
  13. Press D, et al. Treatment of dementia. http://www.uptodate.com/home. Accessed Jan. 18, 2013.
  14. Press D, et al. Cholinesterase inhibitors in the treatment of dementia. http://www.uptodate.com/home. Accessed Feb. 12, 2013.
  15. Press D, et al. Safety and societal issues related to dementia. http://www.uptodate.com/home. Accessed Feb. 12, 2013.
  16. Press D, et al. Treatment of behavioral symptoms related to dementia. http://www.uptodate.com/home. Accessed Feb. 12, 2013.
  17. Eating. Alzheimer's Association. http://www.alz.org/care/alzheimers-food-eating.asp. Accessed Feb. 11, 2013.
  18. The changing brain in AD. National Institute on Aging. http://www.nia.nih.gov/alzheimers/publication/part-2-what-happens-brain-ad/changing-brain-ad. Accessed Feb. 13, 2013.
  19. Personal care: Assisting a person with dementia with changing daily needs. Alzheimer's Association. http://www.alz.org/care/alzheimers-dementia-dressing.asp. Accessed Feb. 11, 2013.
  20. Communication and Alzheimer's. Alzheimer's Association. http://www.alz.org/care/dementia-communication-tips.asp. Accessed Feb. 4, 2013.
  21. Creating a daily plan. Alzheimer's Association. http://www.alz.org/care/dementia-creating-a-plan.asp. Accessed Feb. 4, 2013.
  22. Early-stage caregiving. Alzheimer's Association. http://www.alz.org/care/alzheimers-early-mild-stage-caregiving.asp. Accessed Feb. 13, 2013.
  23. Sleep issues and sundowning. Alzheimer's Association. http://www.alz.org/care/alzheimers-dementia-sleep-issues-sundowning.asp. Accessed Feb. 4, 2013.
  24. Alternative treatments. Alzheimer's Association. http://www.alz.org/alzheimers_disease_alternative_treatments.asp. Accessed Feb. 13, 2013.
  25. Wollen KA. Alzheimer's disease: The pros and cons of pharmaceutical, nutritional, botanical, and stimulatory therapies, with a discussion of treatment strategies from the perspective of patients and practitioners. Alternative Medicine Review. 2010;15:223.
  26. Buettner LL, et al. Animal-assisted therapy for clients with dementia. Journal of Gerontological Nursing. 2011;37:10.
  27. Being a healthy caregiver. Alzheimer's Association. http://www.alz.org/care/alzheimers-dementia-healthy-caregiver.asp. Accessed Feb. 4, 2013.
  28. Taking care of yourself. Alzheimer's Association. http://www.alz.org/living_with_alzheimers_taking_care_of_yourself.asp. Accessed Feb. 12, 2013.
  29. Caregiver stress. Alzheimer's Association. http://www.alz.org/care/alzheimers-dementia-caregiver-stress-burnout.asp. Accessed Feb. 4, 2013.
  30. Graff-Radford NR (expert opinion). Mayo Clinic, Jacksonville, Fla. March 4, 2013.
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DS01131 April 16, 2013

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