Dementia takes different forms, and it affects a devastating number of individuals and their families. More than 6.7 million Americans are living with the most common type of dementia — Alzheimer’s disease — and that number is expected to double by 2060.

While there are strategies, medications, and therapies in place to support those living with dementia, there’s no cure. As a result, it’s critical for individuals and their loved ones to prioritize planning after receiving a diagnosis.

However, receiving a dementia diagnosis can be traumatic. We understand it can be difficult trying to pick up the pieces and figure out how to start getting organized.

That’s why we sat down for a Q&A session with Tanner Gish. Gish is a certified dementia practitioner and the director of operations at Loving Homecare Inc., a California-based agency that provides a range of in-home assistance for seniors. 

One of the agency’s specialties is in-home dementia care. Gish's team works to ensure those living with dementia receive holistic care to support daily living, nutrition and hydration management, medication compliance, and social interaction.

Read on to get Gish's take on the diagnosis process, the dementia treatments and therapies available, and the planning essentials that people with recent dementia diagnoses need to prepare for the future.

What Steps Should Individuals Take After a Dementia Diagnosis?

Answer: A dementia diagnosis signifies significant cognitive decline affecting memory, thinking, and daily functioning. 

The most common types include Alzheimer’s disease, vascular dementia, Lewy body dementia, and frontotemporal dementia. Understanding the type helps tailor care and set realistic expectations.

Alzheimer’s disease is the most prevalent, marked by memory loss and confusion. Vascular dementia is caused by reduced blood flow to the brain. 

Lewy body dementia is associated with hallucinations, movement issues, and sleep disturbances. Frontotemporal dementia affects personality, language, and behavior.

The first step to take after receiving a diagnosis should be to educate yourself. Learn about the type and progression of dementia. Then, build a care team. Include health care professionals, family members, and care agencies.

Discuss wishes early. Openly communicate preferences for care, finances, and living arrangements.

How Can Dementia Be Treated and Managed?

Answer: While there is no cure, treatments focus on managing symptoms and maintaining quality of life.

Medications such as cholinesterase inhibitors may slow cognitive decline. Occupational and speech therapy enhance daily functioning, and cognitive stimulation, such as memory games and activities, maintain mental agility.

Individuals can monitor and manage symptoms as they progress through regular medical checkups to track changes and adjust treatment plans. They can also keep a symptom journal to record behavioral and cognitive changes.

It’s important to stay consistent. Create routines to reduce confusion and stress.

Follow a Mediterranean diet rich in fruits, vegetables, whole grains, and Omega-3s. Engage in daily walks, yoga, or balance exercises to improve circulation and mood, and practice mindfulness or meditation to reduce anxiety.

What Can Individuals Do to Help Cope With Their Diagnosis?

Answer: Seek support by joining dementia-specific support groups, and stay active. Engage in hobbies and social activities to maintain purpose, and consider professional counseling. Therapy can help process grief and anxiety.

It’s also important to share your diagnosis with family and friends. Be honest, provide context, and involve them.

Share the diagnosis early to allow loved ones to adjust, explain what the diagnosis means and what to expect, and let them know how they can offer support.

How Does a Dementia Diagnosis Affect Planning for the Future?

Answer: Early planning ensures your wishes are respected and reduces stress later. Start with a power of attorney (POA) and assign someone to manage finances and healthcare decisions.

You should also consider a living will to specify treatment preferences for end-of-life care, as well as estate planning. Work with an attorney to manage assets and caregiving costs.

To ensure your wishes are respected, document decisions clearly in legal forms and communicate them to trusted family members and healthcare providers.

How Can Caregivers Support Those With Dementia to Maintain Their Independence?

Answer: To maintain independence in daily activities for as long as possible, modify the environment. Install grab bars, use labels, and declutter spaces.

Use assistive devices. Tools like pill organizers or GPS trackers can help and focus on strengths. Encourage tasks they can still perform independently.

Some strategies can help manage memory and cognitive challenges, including memory aids such as calendars, to-do lists, or reminder apps.

Simplify tasks. Break activities into small, manageable steps, and use repetition. Establish routines to create familiarity.

When planning for future caregiving or living arrangements, evaluate options such as in-home care, assisted living, or respite care.

In-home care is tailored to evolving needs, like Loving Homecare’s services. Assisted living is for individuals needing more comprehensive support, and respite care offers temporary relief for family caregivers.

What Support or Resources Are Available to Patients and Caregivers?

Answer: Community organizations or nonprofits provide emotional support, caregiver education, respite care, and advocacy for dementia-friendly policies.

Local or national resources include the Alzheimer’s Association, which offers resources, hotlines, and support groups.

Area Agencies on Aging provides community programs and funding assistance, and there are dementia-friendly initiatives, which are local programs fostering inclusion.

What Should People Do to Prepare for Progression?

Answer: Progressive symptoms may include loss of mobility, communication challenges, and increased care needs. 

Preparing includes hiring skilled caregivers to manage complex medical or behavioral needs. Make home adjustments to improve safety and accessibility, and consider palliative care planning for comfort and dignity.

Hold regular family meetings to discuss care plans, finances, and individual roles. Use clear, empathetic language to build understanding and unity.

To plan for end-of-life care in a dignified way, consider an advance directive to document preferences for medical treatments, life-support measures, and resuscitation.

Engage with palliative care providers early for comfort-focused care, transitioning to hospice services when appropriate.

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Getting Your Loved Ones Organized Using Trustworthy

Two of the most critical components of planning for the future after receiving a dementia diagnosis are communication and support.

You’ve got to document your wishes early and ensure those wishes are communicated to family and healthcare practitioners early on to ensure everybody’s on the same page at all times — and that’s where Trustworthy’s Family Operating System® offers unrivaled assistance.

Trustworthy is a secure digital vault that enables individuals to upload important family documents to create dynamic digital versions that are always organized, easy to find, and simple to maintain. 

You can create encrypted versions of everything from advance directives and POAs to medical records and estate planning documents. From there, Trustworthy’s AI-powered Autopilot tool helps users to categorize and sort everything so that their important information is always on hand.

Collaboration is embedded in Trustworthy’s foundation, and users can grant granular permissions to trusted family members, friends, attorneys, or healthcare practitioners to ensure that documents are shared with everyone involved with their care and future planning.

That means you can rest easy knowing everyone in your life understands your treatment preferences, what you want to happen with your estate in the future, and where your important documents live in case they need to provide a helping hand with life admin.

Ready to learn more? Explore Trustworthy’s range of features to find out how you can use Trustworthy to help your family start planning for the future.