If your loved one has recently been diagnosed with Alzheimer’s or another kind of dementia, you may have a lot of questions. After all, while a new Alzheimer’s diagnosis may explain changes you’ve noticed in your loved one, you don’t have all the answers.

While there is no written-in-stone progression of dementia, here’s what you can expect from dementia and Alzheimer’s.

As always, you’ll want to stay in close contact with your loved one’s doctor. If you still have unanswered questions about dementia, schedule a follow-up appointment, call, or email the medical provider. Your family will be facing many changes with a new Alzheimer’s diagnosis, but knowing what to expect will provide some comfort and help with planning.

What’s Next?

Dementia and Alzheimer’s tend to progress slowly, so you likely won’t notice drastic or fast changes immediately after your loved one’s diagnosis. (If you do see drastic changes quickly, tell the medical provider.)

Alzheimer’s, the most common form of dementia, is usually slow-moving. It may take years for your loved one to reach the condition’s late stages.

As time passes, your loved one will show additional and more pronounced symptoms of dementia. They may require more help for everyday activities— like grocery shopping or getting dressed. Depending on your family’s situation and your loved one’s abilities, you may consider looking into supportive senior living communities.

Will My Loved One Get Better?

Doctors have not yet found a cure for Alzheimer’s or most other kinds of dementia. Even still, a new diagnosis of Alzheimer’s or other dementia can be an important first step to getting your loved one the care they need to continue leading a fulfilling life.

Although they don’t halt the progression of the condition, some medications can help manage the symptoms of dementia. Talk with your loved one’s doctor about how to address symptoms such as memory loss, sleeplessness, or depression.

What is My Loved One Feeling?

Chances are, your loved one is feeling many of the emotions you are feeling after a new diagnosis of Alzheimer’s or dementia, including but not limited to: relief, confusion, overwhelm, anger, or worry. All of these feelings are normal after learning about a life-changing condition, and it may take time—for both of you—to adjust to the idea of what dementia will mean for your family.

In addition, your loved one is also experiencing symptoms of dementia. Such symptoms may include uncertainty and confusion, a vague sense of familiarity they can’t put their finger on, embarrassment over forgetting someone or something, and frustration that they can’t do the things they used to handle on their own.

How do We Plan for the Future?

Learning that a loved one has been diagnosed with dementia is very difficult, but that knowledge gives you the ability to make a plan. Knowing what steps to take can help you feel prepared—instead of overwhelmed.

You’ll create a care plan with your loved one’s doctor or specialist, which will include check-ups to monitor their health and manage symptoms.

You’ll also plan for your loved one’s everyday needs. You may need to coordinate with other family members, friends, church or religious group members, or others in the community to help your loved one. You can also look into hiring an elder care specialist, who can help with daily tasks like bathing at home. You can also visit senior living communities that include memory care and assisted living services.

Although no one can tell you exactly what will happen next after an Alzheimer’s diagnosis, know that you can always reach out—to your loved one’s doctor, community groups, or caregiver support associations—and you are always supported.

Benefits of Memory Care

A Memory Care community is a residential community with care services specifically designed to meet the needs of seniors experiencing the symptoms of Alzheimer’s or other related dementias. Memory Care at Radiant Senior Living communities emphasizes the importance of personalized care services based on individualized needs and preferences.

Flight attendants sharing safety information about what to do in case of an emergency tell passengers how important it is to first place the oxygen mask on yourself before helping others. Eighty-three percent of help provided to older adults in the United States comes from family members, friends, or other unpaid caregivers. As shared previously, there are supports for home caregivers. However, sometimes, a little more support is needed to give the care that a loved one needs and deserves. Services provided by qualified individuals is often just the “mask” that is needed to help the home caregiver take care of themselves to provide the best care possible.