Talk to someone
Just like with any illness, the fear that you’re living with dementia can bring up a whole range of emotions. But know you are not alone.
If you’re finding it difficult to deal with your fears about dementia, seek help. Make an appointment with your GP and talk to him or her about your worries. Your doctor can book you in for an assessment and talk you through the process.
You can also ask to be referred for NHS talking therapies or you can call Dementia UK on 0800 888 6678 and ask to chat with a trained dementia expert about your feelings.
Get enough sleep
Being sleep deprived affects the way you think and feel. Try to get yourself into a good routine, especially around bedtime.
Things that help include:
Going outside in the morning – try to sit in the garden or go for a walk around the block before lunch every day.
Restricting daytime naps – if you find you need a nap during the day, try to have one either just before or just after lunch. Late afternoon naps can affect your night-time sleep. Limit your naps to 30 to 60 minutes, max.
Limit alcohol, caffeine and sugary food and drink. Eat your main meal at lunchtime. Avoid sugary food later in the day – eat a light supper. Consume all the fluids you need in the daytime – don’t drink copious amounts right before bedtime.
Have a relaxing herbal tea or warm milky drink before bed. Make sure your bedroom is dark, comfortable and the right temperature – around 18 to 21°C.
Set a routine
Putting a routine in place will help you to feel more confident and secure and ensure that you have balance in your life with enough time to keep you fit, healthy and happy.
Creating a daily and weekly routine now will help you in future and you can read more about that here
Eat well (and drink)
A healthy, well-balanced diet is important and you can find more information about eating well here but planning your meals, using technology to help remind you to eat and adding mealtimes to your routine will all help. You can also use our Meal Planner here
It’s also easy to forget to drink. Try to remember to sip water and avoid sugary or caffeinated drinks, especially close to bedtime.
Socialise with others
Studies show that being with others is great for all of us. But loneliness is not. In fact it’s been proven that living an isolated life can reduce our ability to think, remember and problem solve, so it’s important that you build some time into your week to be with other people.
Try:
Having a go at a hobby you used to enjoy – or try something new
Volunteering
An adult education course
An arts and crafts group
Singing in a choir
You can find more ideas on hobbies to try here and have a browse around at what’s going on in your area in our neighbourhood events directory.
Be active
Moving and being active is fantastic for your overall health and wellbeing. It improves your mood and makes you feel better. If you can combine moving your body with being with other people, so much better. Find an activity or hobby that you love and add it to your weekly routine.
Why not try:
Pilates, tai chi or yoga
Swimming
Dancing
Walking
Running
Bowls
Tennis or table tennis
Cycling
Even if you just have a dance around your kitchen, walk around the block or do some stretches at home, some movement is better than nothing at all.
You can read more about the importance of staying active here where you’ll also find some great ideas
Organise your life
While it’s natural to worry about the future, taking action now will put your mind at rest.
Now’s a great time to start to think about:
Your will
Power of Attorney
Finances
Planning for possible future care
Your home
Any easy way to get organised is to look at your home environment and see if there’s a way for you to make life easier in the short term. Check out our guide to creating a safer home here where you’l find tips on easy fixes and adjustments that will help you right now.