THE Dementia Society has issued advice on what to think about a when you find out you have dementia. 

You are not alone, and the Dementia Society can help you adjust and access the right information and support.

Being told you have dementia

You have the right to be told you have dementia, rather than this being kept from you. 

If you want to know your diagnosis, you will be offered a meeting with the specialist to discuss this. 

You can go to this meeting on your own, but it can be helpful to bring someone you trust with you.

If you are given a dementia diagnosis, the doctor should tell you the details of your diagnosis sensitively but honestly. 

They should explain what options there are for support and treatment (including medicines, activities and therapies).

They should also explain about how dementia is likely to progress and what to expect in the future.

It is important that you understand the language being used by the doctor. 

If they are speaking too fast, or giving you too much or complicated information, you can ask them to slow down or explain things differently. 

If you are unsure about any part of your diagnosis, you can ask them to explain again or make it clearer to you.

After a dementia diagnosis

If you do receive a diagnosis of dementia, you may struggle to take in everything that is said.

It can be a lot to deal with all at once and you may be feeling upset or anxious. 

You may also be given information to take away that can be quite difficult to understand. 

Remember that you don’t have to read this immediately. 

You have plenty of time after the meeting to read any leaflets or booklets that you’ve been given or that you find online to help you understand more about what it means to have dementia.

You will have had to go through a lot of tests and waiting to get your diagnosis, so you may feel relieved that you now have an explanation for your symptoms. 

However you feel, it’s natural and it is okay to give yourself time to process your feelings.

Talking to others

You are not alone. There are lots of ways to connect with people who understand what you’re going through.

You could try to find a support group where you can talk to others with a similar experience.

You could join an online community (for example, Alzheimer’s Society’s Talking Point) or talk to a dementia support worker or dementia adviser.

Alternatively you could talk to a qualified counsellor or psychotherapist.

Adjusting to your dementia diagnosis

There is a lot for you to process with a new diagnosis. 

Once you feel ready, the Alzheimer’s Society information can help you adjust to living with your condition. 

You can find a dementia guide at: www.alzheimers.org.uk/get-support/publications-factsheets/the-dementia-guide .

A self-help guide is also available at: www.alzheimers.org.uk/blog/life-after-dementia-diagnosis-guide-setting-reaching-goals .

Or call the Dementia Society’s line for advice, or connect with people in similar situations through the Society’s online community on 0333 150 3456.