Coping and support

People with any type of dementia and their caregivers — whether it's vascular dementia or Alzheimer's disease — experience a mixture of emotions, including confusion, frustration, anger, fear, uncertainty, grief and depression.

Caring for someone with dementia

• Seek out support. Many people with dementia and their families benefit from counseling or local support services. Contact your local Alzheimer's Association affiliate to connect with support groups, resources and referrals, home care agencies, residential care facilities, a telephone help line, and educational seminars.
• Plan for the future. While your loved one is in the earlier stages of the disease, talk with a lawyer about the types of legal documents you'll need in the future, such as power of attorney, health care proxy and an advanced directive.
• Give encouragement. Care partners can help a person cope with vascular dementia by being there to listen, reassuring the person that life can still be enjoyed, providing encouragement, and doing their best to help the person retain dignity and self-respect.
• Provide a calm environment. A calm and predictable environment can help reduce worry and agitation. Establish a daily routine that includes enjoyable activities well within the comfort zone of the person with vascular dementia.
• Do activities together. Instead of dwelling on what's to come, try to find activities you both like to do, such as a painting class or a long walk.
• Respect independence as often as is safe. It may be a long time before your loved one has to give up living alone or driving. The early stages of dementia can last years, and your loved one may still be capable of doing many things on his or her own. If you and your loved one can't agree on when it's time to stop certain activities, such as driving, ask your loved one's doctor for his or her advice.

Caring for the caregiver or care partner

Providing care for and supporting a person with dementia is physically and emotionally demanding. Feelings of anger and guilt, frustration and discouragement, worry and grief, and social isolation are common. But paying attention to your own needs and well-being is one of the most important things you can do for yourself and for the person in your care.

If you're a caregiver or care partner:

• Learn as much about the disease as you can. Ask your primary care doctor or neurologist about good sources of information. Your local librarian also can help you find good resources.
• Ask questions of doctors, social workers and others involved in the care of your loved one.
• Call on friends and family members for help when you need it.
• Take a break every day.
• Take care of your health by seeing your own doctors on schedule, eating healthy meals and getting exercise.
• Make time for friends, and consider joining a support group.