Dementia Diagnosis: What Should You Consider?

A dementia diagnosis is a huge shock to the person involved, drastically altering their outlook on life and their future.

Alzheimer’s Research UK estimates in excess of 900,000 people are living with the condition, with one in six of the population aged 80 and over at risk of developing it.

With the implications far-reaching and hugely impactful, there are certain matters that should be addressed as soon as possible to ease the transition.

Ensure you've got a valid Will

It is important to ensure you have a valid Will in place. If you don’t have one, you should get one sorted with a sense of urgency so your wishes are acted upon after you pass away and your loved ones are taken care of in the manner of your choosing.

If you do have one, check it thoroughly to be sure it still reflects your current circumstances and hasn’t been invalidated by any changes that have happened since you created it.

What about a Lasting Power of Attorney (LPA)?

Dementia, a condition that leads to a decline in brain functioning, results in an impaired ability to remember, think, or make decisions. As such, and to protect your interests in the long-term, getting a Lasting Power of Attorney can be incredibly useful.

This legal entity allows you to give authority to a person you trust to make important decisions on your financial or health situations should you reach a position where you can no longer make those decisions.

By telling the trusted individual what you want to happen in certain circumstances, they will act on your wishes at the time required.

What are your treatment wishes?

You can dictate your treatment, even if you lack the mental capacity to do so at the time, by the use of advanced decisions. This comes in the form of a statement, spelling out the medical and healthcare treatment you want to refuse in the future should you be unable to communicate your wishes at that time.

Talk with loved ones

When digesting such a big change in your life, the most important thing is to discuss your feelings, wishes, and wants with loved ones. By having a clear and universal understanding of what you want to happen if your condition deteriorates, your trusted loved ones can act upon those wishes and deliver what you want to take place.  

These conversations may be incredibly hard and difficult to conduct, but they can provide clarity and assurance going forward as you face up to the future, together.

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