Newly Diagnosed

First define dementia in a way that is understandable. Eskaton defines dementia as a shift in the way a person experiences the world. The best education is to understand that although your brain will experience changes in executive function, attention, memory, perception, motor skills and language there will also remain many strengths. Your brain is adaptive and will create new ways of communicating, growing and learning. There are support groups available for both persons’ living with dementia and family care partners that discuss the lived experienced and ways to continue living meaningful lives. Join an online community to connect with others living with dementia and exchange ideas and form meaningful relationships. If you are looking for an early-stage support group locally contact Judy Filippoff, MSW, Early Stage Program Coordinator at the Alzheimer’s Association at 800-272-3900. For a list of support groups visit the Alzheimer’s Association support group and education calendar. Remember, you are not alone in your diagnosis. Watch “A Message From People Living With Alzheimer’s” video.