Dementia diagnosis can be life changing for the patient and the family and friends that surround them. The response can be different by different people, so here are some typical responses and stages people may go through.
Diagnosis denial
It is estimated that around 50% of dementia cases remain undiagnosed, which highlights the problems surrounding people, including health professionals such as GPs, not being equipped sufficiently to recognise the early signs of the disease.
Equally people living with dementia are loathed to report that they are experiencing symptoms and their loved ones may turn a blind eye to their failing memory or unusual behaviour and dismiss it as just old age or even depression.
There is also the issue of misdiagnosis as well as being able to look at other possible causes of the person’s symptoms rather than dementia. In the early stages someone is more likely to be open to undergoing medical examination and tests, which can result in a more accurate diagnosis or even the possibility of uncovering a completely different cause of the person’s illness. Misdiagnosis makes treatment much more difficult and in some cases impossible. As a person’s disease progresses and their mental capacity is reduced they are less likely to agree to examination or understand what is happening at any given point in time.
The importance of understanding a diagnosis
We have encountered many many people that are living with dementia that have not fully understood what such a diagnosis involves. In a lot of cases this is as a result of the individual being in denial or not having the capacity to take on board what the diagnosis actually means.
It is also common for the caregiver not to know what type of dementia their loved one is living with, having only a vague idea and in a lot of cases no idea at all. This suggests that they have been given the news and then left to their own devices and have then failed to seek further help and advice or simply hoped that it wouldn’t be too bad and have carried on regardless.
The route to a more contented dementia
It is only when the dementia begins to become something that causes crisis that they begin to take things more seriously and look for help. This is why it is vital that people, once given a diagnosis, find out all that they can about the disease and then ensure that they are offered support on an ongoing basis from as earlier point as possible.
The level of stress caused by a dementia diagnosis on the person impacted by this will depend in some ways on how much they already know about the disease.
The stereotypes and myths surrounding dementia may well increase the anxiety of the person concerned. If they have little knowledge or understanding of dementia they may decide that their life is all but over and not worth living. They may well be frightened and anxious and this could lead to depression and withdrawal. It can even lead to suicidal thoughts.
However, a diagnosis may lead them to a better understanding of what might be in store, allowing them time to make plans and to discuss with their family how they would best like to be cared for at each stage of the disease.
If the person has an in depth knowledge of dementia, and the affects that it can cause, they will be anxious and concerned about their future. They will need support from those around them but arguably they will be better equipped to plan ahead and know where best to look for the help and guidance they need.
Whichever way you look at a diagnosis of this magnitude will undoubtedly have a devastating impact on the individual concerned and they will need as much reassurance and support as they can get.
Overall the person receiving the diagnosis will encounter several different emotions, which will include shock, grief, anger and fear. They may also feel relieved to finally know the cause of what has been happening to them, as this will allow them to plan and look at what treatment is available.
They may also worry about losing their memory and the impact this will have on them and anyone close to them. They will worry about how they will maintain their social contacts and whether they can trust the people that they need to tell about their diagnosis. If they own a vehicle they may be devastated at the potential loss of their driving license and the loss of independence that this would bring,
Planning ahead
The primary caregiver, if a family member, maybe concerned about how the person living with dementia will survive if anything happens to them or even how the person will cope if they are left on their own.
A diagnosis will most likely be made after a lengthy period of time and friends and family will already be aware that their loved one has a problem and they will already have their suspicions that dementia is the cause.
If the person lives independently one of the key concerns for family and friends will be how that person will continue to live on their own and what support they will need. They will discuss who the primary caregiver will be and whether the person needs to move home to be closer to their support network or move in with a family member. They may even decide to put the person into a care home.
They will be upset and scared for their loved one and they will struggle to know how to care for the person effectively. The caregiver will also need support and compassion as a diagnosis underlines the need for the person with dementia to be cared for on a daily basis. This will be very daunting and some friends and family will step away, unable to confront what is happening to their loved one.
Our next blog covers reaching out and finding the help that you need
Contact us at Autumn years Community Care if you would like to learn more about how best to respond to a diagnosis of dementia and ways that you can ensure that your loved one lives the best possible life.
