Tips for managing anxiety related to dementia diagnosis
Receiving a dementia diagnosis can be overwhelming and often brings a lot of anxiety. Managing this anxiety is important for both the person diagnosed and their loved ones. Here are some practical tips to help ease anxiety related to a dementia diagnosis in simple, everyday terms.
**Create a calm and safe environment**
Making small changes at home can reduce confusion and stress. Keep things tidy, remove tripping hazards, improve lighting, and use clear labels on doors or cupboards to make navigation easier. A familiar, organized space helps the mind feel more secure.
**Stick to routines**
Having regular times for meals, sleep, and activities gives structure to the day. When life feels predictable with familiar rituals—like morning tea or evening walks—it can bring comfort and reduce feelings of worry.
**Stay connected with others**
Loneliness often worsens anxiety. Encourage visits from family or friends when possible. Joining group activities designed for people with dementia or using video calls can keep social bonds strong even if physical meetings aren’t always possible.
**Try relaxation techniques**
Simple mindfulness exercises like deep breathing or guided meditation can calm racing thoughts. Gentle physical activity such as walking or stretching also helps release tension in the body that builds up during anxious moments.
**Seek professional support when needed**
Talking therapies adapted for dementia patients—like cognitive-behavioral therapy—can teach helpful ways to manage anxious feelings. Sometimes medication might be prescribed but should always be carefully managed by healthcare providers due to potential side effects.
Anxiety linked with dementia is complex because symptoms overlap; agitation may seem like anxiety but could stem from other causes related to dementia itself. That’s why working closely with doctors who understand this complexity is key—they will tailor approaches that best fit each person’s needs without adding unnecessary stress.
Above all, patience matters most—for yourself if you’re caring for someone else, and for your loved one facing this challenge every day. Small steps taken consistently build up into meaningful relief from anxiety over time without rushing through what feels difficult right now.
