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The early stages of Alzheimer’s are a worrying time. While you might still feel OK with living independently, you still have to consider the possibility of extra care in the future and the impact that will have on your family. To help you stay as healthy and as positive as possible after such a diagnosis, here’s some advice on how to cope with the early stages of dementia.
Learn About Alzheimer’s
Knowing what you are dealing with and what to expect will help you manage your symptoms and know when you need additional care. In the early days, therefore, it is important to stock up on as much knowledge about your disease as possible. Your doctor can help you here, but it’s also beneficial to do your own research on the computer or at the library. It’s obvious that participation in clinical trials is essential for the advancement in new Alzheimer’s treatment and prevention, but you should also be aware that there are numerous personal benefits to participating in research.
Find Assisted Living
While you might be comfortable living at home at first, there’s a chance you’ll need memory care in an assisted living community in the future. Residents at Brightview Senior Living advise those seeking premium memory care to apply in advance, as places often fill up quickly, with some waiting lists even spanning years.
By finding the right assisted living community for memory care, you can ensure all your health needs are met while enjoying your later years in a welcoming and comfortable environment.
Keep in Touch with Friends and Family
Cutting yourself off from loved ones is the worst decision you can make as a person with Alzheimer’s. While the symptoms may upset your friends and family, it’s still important to spend as much time with them as possible. If you live far away from your loved ones, it might be a good idea to move closer to them or even move in with a family member.
Companionship is essential during any stage of dementia, as loneliness may worsen symptoms and increase the likelihood of depression.
Talk to Other People with Alzheimer’s
While talking to your friends and family is helpful, you might be frustrated because nobody truly understands how you feel. After all, Alzheimer’s is an unpleasant disease that affects your memory and personality, which can be even more difficult to come to terms with than physical illnesses. To help you feel less alone, look around for dementia support groups—both in-person and online—to talk to people who are having similar experiences.
Keep a Healthy Lifestyle
Keeping a healthy lifestyle can actually slow the progress of dementia symptoms, so it’s important to get a daily dose of exercise, eat a healthy diet, and get plenty of fresh air. If you’re struggling to cook healthy recipes, enlist the help of your loved ones or get into batch cooking so that you have a nourishing meal, even on challenging days.
Focus on your mental health, too, as it is just as important as your physical health. If you feel sad or anxious following your diagnosis or throughout any stage of the illness, don’t hesitate to seek counseling.
The early stages of Alzheimer’s are confusing, upsetting, and worrying, for both yourself and your loved ones, but using these ways to cope will make each day a little easier.