Helping family and friends know how to act

Once you share the diagnosis, explain what the person with dementia can still do and how much he or she understands. You might offer suggestions for interacting, such as by having people briefly reintroduce themselves and avoiding correcting the person if he or she forgets something. Encourage people to engage in activities familiar to the person with dementia.

A young child might look to your example to know how to act around a person who has dementia. Show that it's OK to talk and play music or do simple crafts. Older children might have a harder time accepting the changes dementia can cause and might feel uncomfortable spending time with the person. Avoid forcing the issue.

Keep in mind that some family and friends might also have trouble handling the diagnosis. They might be in denial, have misconceptions about dementia or feel uncomfortable, despite your best attempts to help.

Telling family and friends about a loved one's dementia diagnosis can be difficult. Being honest and providing information about Alzheimer's disease can go a long way toward helping others understand the situation.