If someone has been diagnosed with dementia, it's important to remember that:

• They are still the same person even though they have problems with memory, concentration and planning
• Everyone experiences dementia differently
• Focusing on the things they can still do and enjoy will help them to stay positive

With the right help and support when they need it, many people can, and do, live well with dementia for several years.

Stay socially active

Keeping in touch with people and engaging in social activities, such as going to the theatre or cinema, or being part of a walking group or choir, is good for their confidence and mental wellbeing.

If they have someone who helps care for them, an active social life is good for them, too.

Many communities are now dementia-friendly. For example, cinemas put on dementia-friendly screenings of the latest films, and leisure centres run dementia-friendly swimming sessions as well as other activities.

It's a good idea to join a local dementia-friendly group, perhaps at a memory café (a "dementia-friendly" café) or community centre. They can share experiences and use tips from others who are living with dementia.

Telling people about their dementia

When they are ready, it's best to tell others about their diagnosis. It's also good to tell them what they may have trouble with, such as following a conversation or remembering what was said or even the support they need.

Look after their health

It's important they look after their physical and mental health when they have dementia:

• Eat a healthy, balanced diet and drink plenty of fluids.
• Exercise regularly. This could be a daily walk or gardening, or they could try tai chi or dancing.
• Asking the pharmacy or GP if you would benefit from flu and pneumonia vaccinations.
• Get enough sleep. Try to avoid naps during the day and caffeine and alcohol at night.
• Depression is very common in dementia. Talk to your pharmacy and GP, as there are many options available that can help.
• Have regular medical, dental, eyesight and hearing check-ups as all can be affected by the dementia.

Tips to help cope with dementia

Coping with memory loss and problems with thinking speed can be distressing. But there are things that can help.

Patients can try these tips:

• have a regular routine
• put a weekly timetable on the kitchen wall or fridge, and try to schedule activities for when you feel better (for example, in the mornings)
• put your keys in an obvious place, such as a large bowl in the hall
• keep a list of helpful numbers (including who to contact in an emergency) by the phone
• put regular bills on direct debits so you don't forget to pay them
• use a pill organiser box (dosette box) to help you remember which medicines to take when (your pharmacist can help you get one)
• make sure their home is safe and dementia friendly.

When they need extra help and support

In the early stages of dementia, they may be able to live at home, continuing to enjoy doing the things they have always done and having an active social life.

As the illness progresses, it's likely that they will need extra help with daily activities, such as housework, shopping, and cooking.

The first step is to apply for a needs assessment from the adult social services of your local council. This will help identify where they might benefit from help.

It's advisable to do this soon after their diagnosis as a needs assessment can identify things they may not have thought of.