4.1 Stay well, live well

When you are caring for someone with young-onset dementia, life can feel like it’s all about appointments, adjustments, and ‘getting through the day.’ Supporting the person living with dementia can be hard work, especially if you’re also working, raising children, and now managing additional tasks. Roles and relationships may shift—an equal partnership or parent-child dynamic can change, and this can affect your sense of self and create stress. Because young-onset dementia is rare, it can be hard to find others who understand what you’re going through, and caring can feel isolating.

Try to keep track of how you’re feeling and managing. Your brain and body work best when you move regularly, eat well, and rest properly. Looking after yourself helps you maintain the energy, patience, and resilience to support your person.

Even small, consistent actions can make a big difference to your wellbeing.

Why physical health matters for your brain

Keeping physically healthy improves blood and oxygen flow to the brain, and supports mood, sleep, and daily functioning. People who exercise regularly often find they can think more clearly, move more easily, and manage stress better. This is a powerful way to protect your own health and avoid burnout.

Move every day, in a way that works for you

You don’t necessarily need to go to the gym to be active. Try brisk walking, dancing, cycling, swimming, or even turning daily tasks (such as vacuuming, gardening, or climbing stairs) into exercise. You might find it easier and more enjoyable to exercise together. Try a community fitness class or join a local walking group. Doing it together can make it feel less like a chore and more like shared time out.

Lucy, who cares for her husband with young-onset Alzheimer’s disease, started walking the dog with him after dinner instead of sitting in front of the TV. “It clears my head, and we both feel less stressed. We sleep better too, and it gives us a little time together away from the housework.”

Eat well, rest well

Think of food as fuel for your brain. Eating regular, balanced meals with vegetables, fruits, lean proteins, and healthy fats helps maintain energy and supports your brain chemicals that affect mood and thinking.

Sleep also plays a vital role. During deep sleep, your brain clears out metabolic waste and consolidates memories. Aim for around eight hours a night. If you’re sleeping much less or much more, or feeling tired even after sleep, check in with your doctor.

Build healthy habits, not pressure

Start where you are. If you’ve fallen out of routine, begin with small steps – a 10-minute walk, a few stretches while the kettle boils, or swapping one processed snack for fruit. Celebrate what you do, don’t dwell on what you don’t.

If you have health conditions such as diabetes, heart disease, or arthritis, make sure you stay on top of your regular GP check-ups, medications, and care plans.

Remember: your wellbeing is shared.

Caring for yourself is not selfish, it’s essential. Looking after your own health helps you care more sustainably and helps your loved one live well with dementia. Think of it as teamwork: when one of you thrives, you both do.