Ending the Shame and Blame Connected with a Dementia Diagnosis

Ending the Shame and Blame Connected with a Dementia Diagnosis By Esther Heerema, MSW Ever notice how everyone shares the news of a diagnosis of Alzheimer's disease on social media or provides online updates as to how their loved one with dementia is doing? No? That's because, unlike with a cancer diagnosis, it doesn't usually happen. Too often, dementia is associated with shame, and even sometimes blame. Instead of asking for help and prayers and meals, as a society, we tend to shrink back and hope no one notices.    Ending the Shame and Blame Associated with a Dementia Diagnosis  A new diagnosis of Alzheimer's or another kind of dementia might be whispered in the corner of a room at a family gathering, or spoken quietly to just a handful of very close people—sometimes with a request not to share this information with anyone else. Many times, it's just not shared with others until the person is well into the middle stages of the disease.    READ NOW Prevention of Alzheimer's Disease: What Can You Do?  While prevention strategies like immunizations aren't available yet, research has identified several ways that we can decrease our risk for Alzheimer's disease and other types of dementia. These are factors that we can exercise some control over—choices and lifestyles that we can influence, at least to some extent.    READ NOW 13 Ways to Reduce Stigma and Empower People with Dementia  It's been well-established that a diagnosis of Alzheimer's and other types of dementia carries a stigma, and this stigma can have harmful and debilitating effects for those already coping with the challenge of the disease. So, how can you help?    READ NOW Coping and Living Well with a Diagnosis of Dementia  If you or your loved one are one of the estimated 5.2 million people in the United States living with Alzheimer's or another form of dementia, take heart. Although adjusting to a life-changing diagnosis such as Alzheimer's can be very difficult, it's important to know that there are things you can do to make a difference in how you experience and cope with this health challenge.     READ NOW Advertisement READ THESE NEXT A Simple, Low-Carb Recipe for Crock Pot Chicken Cacciatore What is the Typical Number of Days a Woman Bleeds During Menstruation? HPV Vaccine for Boys: What Parents Should Know to Protect Their Sons HPV Vaccine for Boys: What Parents Should Know to Protect Their Sons HPV Vaccine for Boys: What Parents Should Know to Protect Their Sons A DOTDASH BRAND You are receiving this newsletter because you subscribed to the Alzheimer's & Dementia newsletter. If you wish to unsubscribe, please click here 1500 Broadway, 6th Floor, New York, NY, 10036 © 2016 Verywell.com - All rights reserved. Privacy Policy.