Stay Healthy

If you have been diagnosed with dementia and you are in the early stages of the disease there are a lot of things you can do yourself to help you live as well as possible.  Having dementia doesn’t mean you should feel unwell or depressed.  It’s important to try and stay healthy and maintain a positive outlook.  Arrange regular check-ups with your GP so that any other health problems that could make your dementia appear worse are promptly dealt with.  

Things to Consider:

• Try to eat a healthy diet and drink plenty of fluids
• Take regular physical exercise
• If you smoke, try to cut down or stop   
• Get enough sleep
• If you find yourself regularly feeling low, anxious or irritable, you may be depressed and this may respond to treatment. Talk to someone close to you and visit your GP
• It makes sense to have regular Dental, Eye and Hearing Checks
• Look after your Feet or Visit a Podiatrist
•  If over 65 you are entitled to the Annual Flu Vaccine
•  Keep busy with activities you enjoy and try not to become isolated by Accessing Community Support
• Maintain your Independence
• You might enjoy meeting other newly diagnosed people at the dementia cafes (De Cafes) and support groups – they are just like you!