What to Expect After a Positive Alzheimer’s Diagnosis

A positive Alzheimer’s Disease diagnosis is a life-changing event, but you and your loved ones are not alone. Every June is Alzheimer’s and Brain Awareness Month and advocates across the health care, legal and nonprofit communities gather to raise awareness about the disease and provide access to resources for those in need. Here we discuss some of what you can expect after receiving a positive Alzheimer’s diagnosis.

There can be uncertainty and many emotions. Assuming symptoms like memory loss and abnormal confusion led you or a loved one to get tested, it is important to know that a rollercoaster of emotions may soon follow. Fear, anger, denial, despair, and hope are all common feelings, and understandably so. If they persist for a prolonged period, however, then consider seeking help from a health professional.

It can be overwhelming and often stressful. Taking care of yourself or supporting an afflicted family member can be critical to coping with the diagnosis. Consider taking care of yourself by:

• Eating healthy and engage in light exercise
• Sharing your feelings with close family and friends
• Surrounding yourself with kind, supportive people
• Joining an early-stage Alzheimer’s support group

You can benefit greatly from seeking out support and resources. Alzheimer’s Disease can leave people feeling lonely, fearful, and disconnected. Sometimes people feel embarrassed or like they have something to hide. You do not need to. Consider reaching out to trusted companions or groups like the nonprofit Alzheimer’s Association. It is a leading participant in the June Alzheimer’s public awareness campaign and it has a 24/7 Helpline (1-800-272-3900) for information, referrals, and care consultations, as well as a local Alzheimer’s Association tool to find programs and services in your area. There is also an Alzheimer’s Navigator tool that gives customized guidance on topics like health care, transportation, and home safety.

Gathering information and being proactive about the positive diagnosis is often necessary to get the care needed. A positive diagnosis is based on a physician’s best judgement of the cause of a patient’s symptoms. Make sure to ask your evaluating physician why the diagnosis was Alzheimer’s Disease. Also, how far along is the disease in terms of its progression and what should you expect in the future? Ask about treatment options and which symptoms you should be most concerned about.

Receiving a positive Alzheimer’s Diagnosis can feel like your life is turning upside down. You do not and should not go through this alone. If you or someone you know would like more information or guidance on related legal matters, our team of dedicated elder law attorneys is here for you. Please consider contacting our office to schedule a meeting.