Dementia: Staying Positive Despite the Diagnosis
The idea that some people can stay positive after receiving a dementia diagnosis seems surprising to many, yet when faced with adversity, we have only two choices — make the best of what is in front of us, or live with negativity.
No one is suggesting that living with a positive outlook after being given a diagnosis for any serious disease is easy, but negative thinking is risky for your overall health, while positive thinking has health benefits.
Some would say that people who stay positive in the face of chronic or terminal disease are in denial. That is not true. What these positive people understand is that a diagnosis is just a diagnosis. When you first learn you have dementia, you won’t go home any less capable than you were when you went into the doctor’s office, so why not go for the best life you can have?
When I think of the people I admire for going forward with a positive outlook on their journey with Alzheimer’s, there are three who come most quickly to mind.
Harry Urban has lived with dementia for well over a decade. He shares about his life on Facebook at Forget Me Not – Lewy Body Dementia and Following a Dream: World Without Dementia. Harry doesn’t sugarcoat his story — at times sharing his frustration with people…
Helpful Tools:
Wetness indicator and alert to help manage incontinence with dignity. SenecaSense Home: Discreet Support That Restores Comfort and Confidence
Stay connected with Memoryboard: Designed by caregivers. Memoryboard helps families share reminders, messages, updates, and photos on an easy-to-use screen designed for people with dementia. Peace of mind for families, independence for loved ones.
Leslie Kernisan, MD, MPH, has opened up support! View two free caregiving webinars that can help you help your older parents (and yourself).
Discover the Difference. EGOSAN: The premium incontinence brand caregivers love: They save work! Now Available on Amazon.
Minding Our Elders: Caregivers Share Their Personal Stories: “…This book is for all of us; let it help you cope! Thank you to the author and everyone she spoke with!” …Dolores
