Strategies for Coping With Senile Dementia

Dementia refers to the loss of mental functioning. It slowly progresses over time. Having a diagnosis of dementia does not mean your life is over. It means it will be different than you had planned.
Experiencing a wide range of emotions is normal just as with the news of any serious disease.
Make your life as good and as easy to cope with as possible by sticking to these important strategies.

Physical Functioning

• Taking responsibility for your physical well being is important in slowing the decline and coping with dementia. Going to a doctor who is an expert in dementia, on a regular basis, insures that you will get the best treatment possible. Eat a healthy diet including plenty of fruits, vegetables and fish. Exercise at least five days a week for 30 minutes per workout. Doing these things will not only make you feel better and slow down the progression of dementia but will likely promote better sleep.
  Going outside and getting plenty of sunshine makes you feel better and boosts your vitamin D level. Adequate vitamin D helps reduce dementia symptoms.

Mental Stimulation

• Engaging in mentally stimulating and other favorite activities everyday keeps your dementia from progressing as rapidly and helps you to cope better. Try a wide variety of activities. Modify activities with the help of a family member or friend, if necessary, to ensure success.
  Going to the senior center in your town is a good option. Most provide transportation. All encourage socialization and offer a wide range of activities.
  At home, trying more difficult tasks at the times of the day when you are most focused and most alert is best. Give yourself enough time to work on jobs like paying bills or balancing your checkbook.
  Keep a written schedule of your days events including appointments.
  When staying at home by yourself is difficult and unsafe, attending adult day care is a good choice because they provide activities that those with cognitive impairments enjoy that are success oriented.

Precautions and Safety

• Make sure your home is safe. Injury from falling is traumatic and causes a more rapid decline in dementia. Follow the advice of professionals as to how to make your home as easy to live in as possible despite your dementia. Make sure someone checks in on you daily.
  Devise a way to keep track of your medications. Make sure you take them at the proper time. Again a dementia specialist knows proven techniques that he can share with you.
  Do not fall prey to unproven remedies that make unrealistic claims.

Support and Resources

• Asking for help is important. Family members and friends may not understand how you feel sometimes. Try to get them involved. Coping will be easier.
  Start with the Alzheimer's Association, either online or call your local chapter. They direct you to all the local agencies in your area that offer support.
  Elder care services in your area provide help.Visiting nurses provide needed services as well. Insurance may cover some of the cost.
  Get your finances in order. Name a person as a health care proxy because at some point you need one. Make sure that this person understands your health care wishes.
  The Internet provides many online support groups, or go to a support group in your area.