Have you recently been diagnosed with dementia?

Your doctor can advise you on treatments and lifestyle

Some people prefer to have as much information as possible, and others prefer to focus on what they need to know right now. Choose what information you need, and in what form

Have hope! You can adjust to dementia and continue living your life

Don’t be trapped by stereotypes of dementia

For many people, meeting others living with dementia was a turning point in finding hope

Some people want to know everything about dementia including what will happen in the future. Others don’t want to think about the future yet. Read this page when you’re ready

Many people with dementia are concerned about whether it is a genetic disease, and whether their children or grandchildren are more likely to get dementia

Counselling, support groups and advisors can help you come to terms with diagnosis

Be confident and positive, you are not your dementia

Techniques to boost self-image and challenge self-stigma

Get treatments for your mental health

Your diagnosis affects others. Share your diagnosis and move forward with dementia together

You are in control of who you tell your diagnosis to, how you tell them, and when you tell them

Start by telling the people you feel closest to

Share your dementia diagnosis with other health professionals and be assertive about getting therapy and services

Depending on your work role, you may be able to continue working or make adjustments to your role

Strategies for when others treat you differently because you have dementia

Be assertive telling others how you do and don’t want to be treated

Some medications may be useful to manage memory and thinking in dementia

Cognitive stimulation, cognitive training and cognitive rehabilitation

Dementia makes it harder to learn new things, but you can learn and develop new habits

Sometimes dementia damages the part of the brain that interprets information from the senses

When people are told they have dementia, they often worry about whether they will be allowed to drive, or whether they should still drive

If you can no longer drive, there are government programs, taxi subsidies and community transport options

It’s often harder to get out of the house and do things with dementia

People with dementia share their strategies to overcome difficulties when out and about

At dementia friendly groups or activities, people are more accepting of your symptoms

Therapies can help you undertake day-to-day activities and maintain your independence

People with dementia share their strategies to overcome difficulties around home

Even small changes in your home can help you function more independently and keep you safer

Cleaners, gardeners and handymen can do jobs that might be difficult or dangerous for you

Try to eat fresh, healthy food which includes lots of fruits and vegetables. Your brain will work best with this fuel

With dementia, even doing usual activities can be mentally tiring

If your overall health is well managed, your brain health will benefit

There is a strong link between your mental health, mood and how well your brain is working

People with dementia can grow new brain cells and neural connections

Keep spending time with old friends and make new ones

A local group or club is a great way of socialising and meeting new people

Services can help you maintain independence and provide practical and emotional support to improve your wellbeing

Talking to your family means that they know what your future wishes are

Organising wills, enduring power of attorney, enduring guardianship and an advance care plan ensures your wishes will be undertaken in the future

Put financial plans in place so you can be involved in decisions about future care needs