Common health issues
You might not want to think about health issues connected with dementia but there are some to be aware of including anxiety and low mood, restlessness at night, an increased chance of having falls and dental problems.
But there are some ways to help yourself in these early days, and even reduce the risk of developing other health issues.
Here are some ways to stay well when you’re living with dementia.
Get into a good sleep pattern
No one copes well without enough sleep and dementia can bring changes to sleep patterns that might make getting a good night’s sleep tricky which will have a knock-on effect on how you feel during the daytime. People who are not well rested can often experience memory problems and low mood. Lack of sleep can also make you less able to fight off infections.
So now’s a good time to get into good sleep habits. This includes going to bed and waking at the same time every night and morning. Try to get some natural light first thing in the morning too – go for an early walk or sit in the garden – this signals to your brain that morning is the time for being up and active.
You can find more sleep tips here
Eat well
Eating well is important for us all, but it’s especially important when you’re living with dementia. Build regular mealtimes into your routine and set reminders for when you need to drink water. Make sure you choose meals that are well-balanced nutritionally – and try not to indulge in too many treats – some people with dementia find they prefer sweet foods and skip meals in favour of biscuits, cake and ice cream, which will not help their overall health, long term, and can lead to diseases like diabetes and dental decay.
Read more about eating well here
Set a routine
Get yourself into a good daily and weekly routine now so that you can lead a rounded, healthy and active life, with enough time for all activities and appointments as well as fun things, like socialising. By setting a routine you’ll give yourself the best chance of remembering what you need to do, when, which can bring a sense of security and comfort when you’re living with dementia.
Read more about the importance of routine here
Get active
Moving your body is a great idea if you’re living with dementia. Being active can help to protect you against lots of diseases. And being physically fit will help with balance, co-ordination and flexibility and can help protect against falls or the frequency and seriousness of falls, if you have one.
If you exercise regularly at the moment, keep going. If you don’t, now’s a good time to find something you enjoy. It doesn’t have to be difficult: walking or swimming are both excellent forms of exercise or you could do chair exercises at home or include gardening in your weekly routine.
Click here to read about more about ways to get active
Socialise with others
Loneliness can lead to ill health and increase your risk of ending up in hospital. So it’s important to get out and about, especially if you live alone.
Try to find a hobby or interest that means you engage with others. It could be joining a choir, finding a walking group or going along to a regular meet up. Volunteering is also a good way of keeping loneliness at bay.
You can find out more about what’s going on in your neighbourhood with our local What’s On directory