Young-onset dementia: Understanding your diagnosis :

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There is no ‘right’ or ‘wrong’ way to feel when you receive a diagnosis of dementia. Everyone’s experience of dementia is individual. However you feel, it is right for you, at this moment. And don’t worry if it all seems to be overwhelming at first. There are good and bad times, and with support many people come to terms with their diagnosis.

It may help to talk things over with friends and family, or with a health or social care professional who understands dementia.

Things you might find it helpful to think about after a diagnosis include:

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• your. emotions and relationships

• treatments and ways to stay active and healthy

• talking to. your employer  (If you work)

• driving (If you drive)

• finances

• planning ahead

• practical and emotional support–from the NHS , social

  services, private companies or voluntary organisations.

• You don’t need to think about all these things straightaway, so take things at your own pace.

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• Sometimes people feel guilty for having dementia and the impact that it is likely to have on the people who are important to them

• Some people worry that they did something wrong to get dementia, or did not do enough to prevent it. In many cases it is not known why dementia develops. Don’t dwell on this. Instead try to keep going with a positive outlook.

  After a diagnosis, you may want to talk things over with people you trust. This might be your partner if you are in a relationship, or close family or friends. You may not want to talk about it at all. Now that you have a diagnosis, you may need some time and space before you are ready to find out more. It is important to go at your own pace.

  Talking to others with a similar experience can help as well. You could try:

• finding a support group for people with young-onset dementia where you can talk to others with a similar experience 

• joining an online discussion forum (for example Alzheimer’s Society’s Talking Point, which has a discussion area for younger people with dementia)

• talking with a dementia support worker or dementia adviser 

• seeing a qualified health or social care professional such as a community mental health nurse, psychiatrist or clinical psychologist

• seeing a qualified counsellor or psychotherapist