Page 140 - Active Retirement Ireland 2015_
P. 140
For more information you
can read our factsheet Early
symptoms and how a diagnosis
is made, to order your copy
call 1800 341 341 or visit
www.alzheimer.ie
What if I or someone
close to me has
dementia?
A diagnosis of Alzheimer’s or
another form or dementia can
come as a huge shock, not
matter how expected it may
have been. It can take time to
adjust to this diagnosis and
time to adjust to the changes
that it brings.
However many people with dementia and their families find that they do
adjust and that they do live well with this diagnosis. Our booklet I have
dementia. First steps after diagnosis contains a range of tips and strategies
that people with dementia share to show how they live well.
These include:
Talk to people about dementia
It may feel like a daunting step, but talking to family and friends is
important. When you feel ready you can decide how you do this. Your
doctor can help you to tell your family about a diagnosis. Talking will help
you to explain how dementia affects you or your loved one with dementia,
what helps and what doesn’t help. It can also give you an opportunity to
highlight the things you or your loved one can still do and how family and
friends can help.
Keep active
Many people with dementia continue to do the things they enjoy, or
even take up new hobbies or interests. At times help may be needed, but
keeping active is very important. Gentle exercise, such as walking, and
remaining engaged in your community through clubs or hobbies can make
a huge difference to both the person with dementia and their family.
The Alzheimer Society has a new Helpcard for people with dementia to
use if they need help when out and about in their local community. To
order free copies call 1800 341 341 or visit www.alzheimer.ie
138 Active Retirement Ireland
can read our factsheet Early
symptoms and how a diagnosis
is made, to order your copy
call 1800 341 341 or visit
www.alzheimer.ie
What if I or someone
close to me has
dementia?
A diagnosis of Alzheimer’s or
another form or dementia can
come as a huge shock, not
matter how expected it may
have been. It can take time to
adjust to this diagnosis and
time to adjust to the changes
that it brings.
However many people with dementia and their families find that they do
adjust and that they do live well with this diagnosis. Our booklet I have
dementia. First steps after diagnosis contains a range of tips and strategies
that people with dementia share to show how they live well.
These include:
Talk to people about dementia
It may feel like a daunting step, but talking to family and friends is
important. When you feel ready you can decide how you do this. Your
doctor can help you to tell your family about a diagnosis. Talking will help
you to explain how dementia affects you or your loved one with dementia,
what helps and what doesn’t help. It can also give you an opportunity to
highlight the things you or your loved one can still do and how family and
friends can help.
Keep active
Many people with dementia continue to do the things they enjoy, or
even take up new hobbies or interests. At times help may be needed, but
keeping active is very important. Gentle exercise, such as walking, and
remaining engaged in your community through clubs or hobbies can make
a huge difference to both the person with dementia and their family.
The Alzheimer Society has a new Helpcard for people with dementia to
use if they need help when out and about in their local community. To
order free copies call 1800 341 341 or visit www.alzheimer.ie
138 Active Retirement Ireland
