Having a parent diagnosed with dementia is life changing. The rush of emotions can be overwhelming and make it difficult to think about next steps. 

Right away you will want to consider whose responsible for sharing the news and who to share it with. Be sure to speak with your parent about their wishes first. Before sharing your parent’s diagnosis, you may want to seek out a neurologist (a doctor who specializes in diagnosing and treating disorders of the brain) to ensure the diagnosis and assessment is accurate. An extensive evaluation by a neurologist can rule out any other potential causes of the dementia such as stroke, thyroid problems, drug interactions, chronic alcoholism, vitamin deficiencies and psychiatric disorders such as depression. Find a neurologist in Temecula by looking at this comprehensive list of Temecula Neurologist Doctors for Dementia.

As you share your parent’s dementia diagnosis with friends and extended family members, they might have several questions (depending on their level of experience with the disease). Having useful articles on dementia to share with them will be helpful so you can focus on your next steps with your parent. The Alzheimer’s Association has several articles that can help you or others understand dementia. Another useful resource is written by Temecula Valley Hospital as they provide a brief overview of dementia in their article Dementia: What you need to know.

With any life-changing diagnosis, emotionally you will have good days and bad. Be sure to find support in others. The local Alzheimer’s Association chapter offers family caregiver support groups that can connect you with others to confide in as your parent experiences changes in mood, behavior or memory. Learn more about support groups near Temecula by visiting the support section of the Alzheimer’s Association website.

It’s also important to begin making plans for your parent’s legal and financial affairs. An early diagnosis often allows your parent with dementia to participate in this planning. Your parent can decide who will make medical and financial decisions on his or her behalf in the later stages of the disease.

As you plan for the future, take the opportunity to create a plan if your parent would need the care and support offered in a memory care community, as opposed to at-home care. Memory care is a specialized type of care community that offers a secure environment for those who have a dementia diagnosis. The staff has received specialized training and programs are tailored for those with dementia. 

Read the article 4 Signs It’s Time to Look for Memory Care to learn more about the signs to look for.