Dementia describes a series of symptoms that can have many different causes, though the most common cause is Alzheimer's disease, according to MayoClinic.com. If you or a loved one have been diagnosed with early dementia, you may feel devastated and unsure how you will cope. However, the benefit of early diagnosis is that it gives you time to explore options, make important legal and medical decisions, and enlist the support of friends and family.
Step 1
Discuss treatment options with your physician. Some forms of dementia respond better to treatment than others, and it is important for you to know what you can do to delay the onset of severe symptoms for as long as possible. Ask your doctor about clinical trials for new medications to treat degenerative disorders, such as Alzheimer's, Parkinson's and Huntington's disease, suggests the Alzheimer's Association. You may qualify for access to promising medications not yet available to the general public.
Step 2
Choose a legal guardian. If you have a degenerative disorder, eventually your dementia will become too serious for you to make legal and medical decisions for yourself, notes the Alzheimer's Association. Explain your condition to a trusted friend or family member, and ask if he would be willing to take legal responsibility for your decisions. Talk to your physician if you don't have a person to act as your legal guardian; he may be able to direct you to support groups and advocacy organizations that can help you.
Step 3
Consult an attorney specializing in aging issues to help you get your legal affairs in order. For example, your legal guardian will need to be appointed by a court, notes the Alzheimer's Association. Set up a living will and trust to ensure that your medical wishes and property management decisions will be followed if you become incapacitated. Organize plans for a long-term care facility; your family may be unable to continue your care once your dementia becomes advanced.
Step 4
Talk to your friends and family members about your dementia. Say the things you want to say and do the things you want to do with them while you still can. One of the hardest things for loved ones of an individual with dementia is the personality changes, paranoia, angry outbursts and even violence that often accompany advanced dementia, according to MayoClinic.com. By making sure they know how much you love and care about them, you will give them something to hold on to when your behavior is out of your control.
Tips and Warnings
- Consult an attorney about legal planning as early as possible. It is important that you make important legal decisions before you are unable to do so.
