{"id":30170,"date":"2025-10-06T13:00:07","date_gmt":"2025-10-06T13:00:07","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/www.dementiauk.org\/?page_id=30170"},"modified":"2025-10-07T15:06:27","modified_gmt":"2025-10-07T15:06:27","slug":"what-is-it-like-to-live-with-dementia","status":"publish","type":"page","link":"https:\/\/www.dementiauk.org\/information-and-support\/about-dementia\/what-is-it-like-to-live-with-dementia\/","title":{"rendered":"What is it like to live with dementia?"},"content":{"rendered":"<p><span data-contrast=\"auto\">Everyone will have their own experience of living with dementia. This\u00a0is shaped not just by the type\u00a0and stage\u00a0of dementia, but by a person\u2019s lifestyle,\u00a0personality\u00a0and the support\u00a0they receive.\u00a0<\/span><span data-ccp-props=\"{&quot;201341983&quot;:0,&quot;335559740&quot;:276}\">\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span data-contrast=\"auto\">People\u00a0affected by\u00a0dementia, alongside our\u00a0<\/span><a href=\"https:\/\/www.dementiauk.org\/information-and-support\/how-we-can-support-you\/what-is-an-admiral-nurse\/\"><span data-contrast=\"none\">specialist Admiral Nurses<\/span><\/a><span data-contrast=\"auto\">,\u00a0share\u00a0their\u00a0personal\u00a0insight into what\u00a0it\u2019s\u00a0like to live with the condition.<\/span><span data-ccp-props=\"{&quot;201341983&quot;:0,&quot;335559740&quot;:276}\">\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n<h3>Everyone\u2019s journey is unique<\/h3>\n<p><span data-contrast=\"auto\">Dementia brings both challenges and opportunities. People living with dementia can easily become isolated and overwhelmed by feelings of despair. But\u00a0many people\u00a0can also learn new skills, meet new\u00a0people\u00a0and have fun, especially if they are well supported.\u00a0<\/span><span data-ccp-props=\"{&quot;201341983&quot;:0,&quot;335559740&quot;:276}\">\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n<blockquote><p>&#8220;The overwhelming response to dementia tends to be negativity. While I understand this perspective, it overlooks the fact that I am still here, and there is so much I can do. I now dedicate a significant part of my life to things that bring me joy and meaning. I try to live my best life.\u201d<\/p><\/blockquote>\n<p>&#8211;\u00a0 Gail, who has young onset dementia<\/p>\n<blockquote><p>\u201cMy diagnosis of dementia did not mean the end.\u202fI\u2019ve started new\u202fhobbies, like painting,\u202fand learnt new things about myself. I\u2019ve put my energies into advocating for people who have dementia. For me, dementia has been the start of a new chapter, and it\u2019s not a bad chapter.\u201d<\/p><\/blockquote>\n<p>&#8211; George, who has mixed dementia<\/p>\n<h3>Understanding the\u00a0different types\u00a0of dementia<\/h3>\n<p><span data-contrast=\"auto\">There\u00a0are many\u00a0<\/span><a href=\"https:\/\/www.dementiauk.org\/information-and-support\/types-of-dementia\/\"><span data-contrast=\"none\">types of dementia<\/span><\/a><span data-contrast=\"auto\">, each with its own\u00a0<\/span><a href=\"https:\/\/www.dementiauk.org\/information-and-support\/about-dementia\/signs-and-symptoms-of-dementia\/\"><span data-contrast=\"none\">symptoms<\/span><\/a><span data-contrast=\"auto\">. The most common forms are:<\/span><span data-ccp-props=\"{&quot;201341983&quot;:0,&quot;335559740&quot;:276}\">\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n<ul>\n<li><a href=\"https:\/\/www.dementiauk.org\/information-and-support\/types-of-dementia\/alzheimers-disease\/\"><span data-contrast=\"none\">Alzheimer\u2019s disease<\/span><\/a><span data-ccp-props=\"{&quot;201341983&quot;:0,&quot;335559740&quot;:276}\">\u00a0<\/span><\/li>\n<li><a href=\"https:\/\/www.dementiauk.org\/information-and-support\/types-of-dementia\/vascular-dementia\/\"><span data-contrast=\"none\">vascular dementia<\/span><\/a><span data-ccp-props=\"{&quot;201341983&quot;:0,&quot;335559740&quot;:276}\">\u00a0<\/span><\/li>\n<li><a href=\"https:\/\/www.dementiauk.org\/information-and-support\/types-of-dementia\/frontotemporal-dementia\/\"><span data-contrast=\"none\">frontotemporal dementia<\/span><\/a><span data-ccp-props=\"{&quot;201341983&quot;:0,&quot;335559740&quot;:276}\">\u00a0<\/span><\/li>\n<li><a href=\"https:\/\/www.dementiauk.org\/information-and-support\/types-of-dementia\/dementia-with-lewy-bodies\/\"><span data-contrast=\"none\">Lewy body dementia<\/span><\/a><span data-ccp-props=\"{&quot;201341983&quot;:0,&quot;335559740&quot;:276}\">\u00a0<\/span><\/li>\n<li><a href=\"https:\/\/www.dementiauk.org\/information-and-support\/types-of-dementia\/mixed-dementia\/\"><span data-contrast=\"none\">mixed dementia<\/span><\/a><span data-contrast=\"auto\">:\u00a0a\u00a0combination of two or more types, most commonly Alzheimer\u2019s\u00a0disease\u00a0and vascular dementia<\/span><span data-ccp-props=\"{&quot;201341983&quot;:0,&quot;335559740&quot;:276}\">\u00a0<\/span><\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<p><span data-contrast=\"auto\">Over\u00a070,000 people in the UK live with\u00a0<\/span><a href=\"https:\/\/www.dementiauk.org\/information-and-support\/young-onset-dementia\/what-is-young-onset-dementia\/\"><span data-contrast=\"none\">young onset dementia<\/span><\/a><span data-contrast=\"auto\">:\u00a0any form of dementia that develops before the age of 65.<\/span><span data-ccp-props=\"{&quot;201341983&quot;:0,&quot;335559740&quot;:276}\">\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n<h2>What are the daily challenges of life with dementia?<a id=\"challenges\"><\/a><\/h2>\n<p><span data-contrast=\"auto\">Everyone will experience dementia in their own way.\u00a0While it is often associated with memory\u00a0loss, there is a wide range of symptoms, including difficulties with thinking and communication, and changes in\u00a0behaviour,\u00a0mood\u00a0and personality.<\/span><span data-ccp-props=\"{&quot;201341983&quot;:0,&quot;335559740&quot;:276}\">\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n<h3>Difficulty with memory<\/h3>\n<p><span data-contrast=\"auto\">Difficulties with memory\u00a0are\u00a0common in dementia, particularly Alzheimer\u2019s disease.\u00a0However, in the\u00a0initial\u00a0stages, memory loss\u00a0mostly applies to difficulty forming\u00a0new\u00a0short-term memories. Long-term memories \u2013 for example, of the person\u2019s younger days \u2013\u00a0often\u00a0remain intact.<\/span><span data-ccp-props=\"{&quot;201341983&quot;:0,&quot;335559740&quot;:276}\">\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span data-contrast=\"auto\">A person with dementia might:\u00a0<\/span><span data-ccp-props=\"{&quot;201341983&quot;:0,&quot;335559740&quot;:276}\">\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n<ul>\n<li><span data-contrast=\"auto\">struggle\u00a0to remember recent events<\/span><span data-ccp-props=\"{&quot;201341983&quot;:0,&quot;335559740&quot;:276}\">\u00a0<\/span><\/li>\n<li><span data-contrast=\"auto\">forget recent conversations, often leading to the person repeating themselves<\/span><span data-ccp-props=\"{&quot;201341983&quot;:0,&quot;335559740&quot;:276}\">\u00a0<\/span><\/li>\n<li><span data-contrast=\"auto\">forget\u00a0names\u00a0and faces<\/span><span data-ccp-props=\"{&quot;201341983&quot;:0,&quot;335559740&quot;:276}\">\u00a0<\/span><\/li>\n<li><span data-contrast=\"auto\">get lost,\u00a0even in familiar places<\/span><span data-ccp-props=\"{&quot;201341983&quot;:0,&quot;335559740&quot;:276}\">\u00a0<\/span><\/li>\n<li><span data-contrast=\"auto\">misplace\u00a0items or put them in the wrong place<\/span><span data-ccp-props=\"{&quot;201341983&quot;:0,&quot;335559740&quot;:276}\">\u00a0<\/span><\/li>\n<li><span data-contrast=\"auto\">forget appointments,\u00a0events\u00a0and occasions<\/span><span data-ccp-props=\"{&quot;201341983&quot;:0,&quot;335559740&quot;:276}\">\u00a0<\/span><\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<p><!--StartFragment --><\/p>\n<blockquote>\n<p class=\"pf0\"><span class=\"cf0\">\u201cDo not ask us if we remember something and get annoyed when we don\u2019t <\/span><span class=\"cf1\">\u2013 there is nothing we would like better than to remember. But keep in mind that our failing memory does not necessarily mean we are unable to think logically. We may no longer know instinctively what day it is, or what we had for breakfast, but some of us can still remember faces from long ago and retain our vocabularies.\u201d <\/span><\/p>\n<\/blockquote>\n<p class=\"pf0\"><span class=\"cf1\">\u00a0&#8211; Peter, who lives with Alzheimer&#8217;s disease <\/span><\/p>\n<h3 class=\"pf0\"><span class=\"cf1\">Behavioural and cognitive changes <\/span><\/h3>\n<p class=\"pf0\"><span class=\"cf1\">Changes in behaviour and cognition (thinking) are common in people with dementia and can make everyday life more difficult. These changes may include: <\/span><\/p>\n<ul>\n<li class=\"pf0\"><span class=\"cf1\">increasing difficulty with daily tasks, for example finding it hard to plan, organise, solve problems or make decisions<\/span><\/li>\n<li class=\"pf0\">finding it hard to concentrate and pay attention<\/li>\n<li class=\"pf0\"><a href=\"https:\/\/www.dementiauk.org\/information-and-support\/health-advice\/dealing-with-restlessness\/\">restlessness<\/a>, obsessive or compulsive behaviour, eg making repetitive movements, pacing, frequently checking doors and windows<\/li>\n<li class=\"pf0\">misunderstanding what is seen, for example thinking a reflection is a stranger in the home<\/li>\n<li class=\"pf0\">difficulty <a href=\"https:\/\/www.dementiauk.org\/information-and-support\/living-with-dementia\/tips-for-communication\/\">communicating<\/a><\/li>\n<li class=\"pf0\">disturbed <a href=\"https:\/\/www.dementiauk.org\/information-and-support\/living-with-dementia\/dementia-and-sleep\/\">sleep<\/a><\/li>\n<li class=\"pf0\">changes in visual and spatial awareness, which could lead to <a href=\"https:\/\/www.dementiauk.org\/information-and-support\/health-advice\/dementia-and-falls\/\">falls<\/a>, impaired <a href=\"https:\/\/www.dementiauk.org\/information-and-support\/living-with-dementia\/driving-and-dementia\/\">driving<\/a> ability etc<\/li>\n<li class=\"pf0\"><a href=\"https:\/\/www.dementiauk.org\/information-and-support\/health-advice\/sundowning\/\">sundowning<\/a>: a state of intense confusion and anxiety that typically occurs around dusk and often causes a strong sense of being in the wrong place<\/li>\n<li class=\"pf0\">increasing difficulty with mobility<\/li>\n<li class=\"pf0\">problems with <a href=\"https:\/\/www.dementiauk.org\/information-and-support\/health-advice\/eating-and-drinking\/\">eating and drinking<\/a>, including recognising hunger\/thirst, preparing food and eating independently<\/li>\n<li class=\"pf0\"><a href=\"https:\/\/www.dementiauk.org\/information-and-support\/health-advice\/incontinence\/\">incontinence<\/a> (usually in the later stages)<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<h3 class=\"pf0\"><span class=\"cf1\">Changes in personality <\/span><\/h3>\n<p class=\"pf0\"><span class=\"cf1\">People with dementia may experience changes in personality, which can be upsetting and frightening for them and those around them. These changes might include: <\/span><\/p>\n<ul>\n<li class=\"pf0\"><span class=\"cf1\">loss of empathy<\/span><\/li>\n<li class=\"pf0\">loss of motivation and interest in their daily activities and the people around them<\/li>\n<li class=\"pf0\">becoming unusually irritable and aggressive<\/li>\n<li class=\"pf0\">uninhibited behaviour, eg staring at people, using inappropriate language, making sexual comments<\/li>\n<li class=\"pf0\">neglecting personal hygiene<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<h3 class=\"pf0\"><span class=\"cf1\">The impact of dementia on emotions and mood <\/span><\/h3>\n<p class=\"pf0\"><span class=\"cf1\">A diagnosis of dementia, and its increasing impact on everyday life, can trigger a range of emotions. A person with dementia may experience: <\/span><\/p>\n<ul>\n<li class=\"pf0\"><span class=\"cf1\">shock \u2013 particularly if the diagnosis was unexpected<\/span><\/li>\n<li class=\"pf0\">relief that they now know what is causing <a href=\"https:\/\/www.dementiauk.org\/information-and-support\/about-dementia\/signs-and-symptoms-of-dementia\/\">their<span class=\"cf0\">\u202fsymptoms<\/span><\/a><\/li>\n<li class=\"pf0\">disbelief <span class=\"cf1\">\u2013 especially in the case of<\/span><span class=\"cf0\">\u202f<a href=\"https:\/\/www.dementiauk.org\/information-and-support\/young-onset-dementia\/what-is-young-onset-dementia\/\">young onset dementia\u202f<\/a><\/span><\/li>\n<li class=\"pf0\">feelings of being overwhelmed<\/li>\n<li class=\"pf0\">grief for the person they once were, and the future they were anticipating<\/li>\n<li class=\"pf0\">feelings of helplessness\/hopelessness<\/li>\n<li class=\"pf0\">guilt at the effect dementia might have on their family<\/li>\n<li class=\"pf0\">fear about how their condition will progress<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<p class=\"pf0\"><span class=\"cf0\">People with dementia may also experience mood changes, such as feeling <a href=\"https:\/\/www.dementiauk.org\/information-and-support\/health-advice\/managing-anxiety\/\">anxious<\/a>, irritable, <a href=\"https:\/\/www.dementiauk.org\/information-and-support\/health-advice\/managing-depression\/\">depressed<\/a> or <a href=\"https:\/\/www.dementiauk.org\/information-and-support\/health-advice\/coping-with-distress\/\">distressed<\/a>. These may be symptoms of dementia itself, or the result of worrying about what is happening and how it will affect them in the future. <\/span><\/p>\n<p class=\"pf0\"><span class=\"cf0\">The impact of dementia on mood and emotions can make day-to-day life more challenging. For example, someone who is feeling depressed may withdraw from other people, lose their appetite or find it hard to sleep. <\/span><\/p>\n<p class=\"pf0\"><span class=\"cf0\">However, many people with dementia continue to live fulfilling lives after their diagnosis. This is particularly true if they have the right support, remain socially active for as long as possible and keep up with their interests and hobbies, or take the opportunity to try new ones. <\/span><\/p>\n<h2 class=\"pf0\"><span class=\"cf0\">How dementia might feel emotionally<a id=\"feelings\"><\/a> <\/span><\/h2>\n<blockquote>\n<p class=\"pf0\"><span class=\"cf0\">\u201cWhen you\u2019re diagnosed with dementia, you can feel so, so alone. What you need is someone to tell you it\u2019s going to be okay. Tell you there\u2019s a whole lot of living to be done.\u201d <\/span><\/p>\n<\/blockquote>\n<p class=\"pf0\"><span class=\"cf0\">\u00a0&#8211; Sylvia, who lives with Alzheimer\u2019s disease <\/span><\/p>\n<blockquote>\n<p class=\"pf0\"><span class=\"cf0\">\u201cWhen I was first\u202fdiagnosed\u202fwith dementia, I felt angry. It didn\u2019t seem fair. But that changed when my wife Christine and I booked an appointment with Admiral Nurse\u202fHelen. She explained in really simple terms what dementia was and how it was affecting my brain.\u202fInstead of fighting what was happening, I accepted it. Helen gave us the confidence to carry on doing things that we enjoy.\u201d <\/span><\/p>\n<\/blockquote>\n<p class=\"pf0\"><span class=\"cf0\">\u00a0&#8211; Andy, who has young onset dementia <\/span><\/p>\n<blockquote>\n<p class=\"pf0\"><span class=\"cf0\">\u201cI was fed lots of doom and gloom when I was diagnosed. That was until Admiral Nurse\u202fLiz arrived, and showed me that there is life after dementia. I feel like dementia has opened a lot of doors and opportunities for me that I wouldn\u2019t have otherwise noticed.\u201d <\/span><\/p>\n<\/blockquote>\n<p class=\"pf0\"><span class=\"cf0\">\u00a0&#8211; Peter, who has Alzheimer&#8217;s disease <\/span><\/p>\n<h3 class=\"pf0\"><span class=\"cf0\">Dementia and sensory issues<a id=\"sensory\"><\/a> <\/span><\/h3>\n<p class=\"pf0\"><span class=\"cf0\">Dementia can affect the senses, including how a person perceives things visually and responds to sensations like <a href=\"https:\/\/www.dementiauk.org\/information-and-support\/health-advice\/dementia-and-difficulty-with-sounds\/\">sound<\/a>, touch and smell. For example: <\/span><\/p>\n<ul>\n<li class=\"pf0\"><span class=\"cf0\">A person with dementia might misperceive what they see <\/span><span class=\"cf1\">\u2013 a dark rug on the floor might look like a hole, or a reflection in the mirror might appear to be a person or animal in the home<\/span><\/li>\n<li class=\"pf0\">Loud or sudden noises may cause fear and distress<\/li>\n<li class=\"pf0\">Noisy and busy environments might cause overstimulation and make it harder to concentrate on conversations<\/li>\n<li class=\"pf0\">Smells might be misinterpreted as something else \u2013 for example, the person might think a food smell from the bin is a gas leak<\/li>\n<li class=\"pf0\">The person might be more sensitive to touch<\/li>\n<li class=\"pf0\">There may be changes in taste, so foods the person has always enjoyed now taste unpleasant<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<h3 class=\"pf0\"><span class=\"cf1\">What sensory overload feels like for people with dementia <\/span><\/h3>\n<p class=\"pf0\"><span class=\"cf1\">Sensory overstimulation can be very distressing for a person with dementia, especially if they can\u2019t remove themselves from the situation or communicate how they are feeling. They may show their distress in ways like: <\/span><\/p>\n<ul>\n<li class=\"pf0\"><span class=\"cf1\">crying, shouting or swearing<\/span><\/li>\n<li class=\"pf0\">pacing<\/li>\n<li class=\"pf0\">shadowing their carer and not wanting to be left alone<\/li>\n<li class=\"pf0\">self-soothing behaviours like fidgeting or rocking<\/li>\n<li class=\"pf0\">resisting support, especially with self-care<\/li>\n<li class=\"pf0\">trying to leave their home<\/li>\n<li class=\"pf0\">becoming verbally or physically aggressive<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<blockquote>\n<p class=\"pf0\"><span class=\"cf1\">\u201cI\u2019d always had my own office at work, which suited me, but soon after my diagnosis of Lewy body dementia I got moved into an office with other people and with hardly any natural light and from that point on things just went downhill.\u201d <\/span><\/p>\n<\/blockquote>\n<p class=\"pf0\"><span class=\"cf1\">\u00a0&#8211; Phil, who retired soon after his young onset dementia diagnosis <\/span><\/p>\n<h2 class=\"pf0\"><span class=\"cf1\">What hallucinations and delusions feel like for a person with dementia<a id=\"hallucinations\"><\/a> <\/span><\/h2>\n<h3 class=\"pf0\"><span class=\"cf1\">Hallucinations in dementia <\/span><\/h3>\n<p class=\"pf0\"><span class=\"cf1\">Some people with dementia have <a href=\"https:\/\/www.dementiauk.org\/information-and-support\/health-advice\/changes-in-perception-and-hallucinations-in-dementia\/\">hallucinations<\/a>, where they experience something that is not really happening, for example: <\/span><\/p>\n<ul>\n<li class=\"pf0\"><span class=\"cf1\">hearing voices or sounds (auditory hallucinations)<\/span><\/li>\n<li class=\"pf0\">seeing things that aren\u2019t there (visual hallucinations), often people or animals \u2013 this is more common in people with<span class=\"cf0\">\u202f<a href=\"https:\/\/www.dementiauk.org\/information-and-support\/types-of-dementia\/dementia-with-lewy-bodies\/\">Lewy body dementia<\/a><\/span><\/li>\n<li class=\"pf0\">feeling physical sensations that are not real, for example feeling bugs crawling on their skin<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<p class=\"pf0\"><span class=\"cf0\">Hallucinations feel completely real to the person who is experiencing them, and may be annoying, unsettling or frightening. <\/span><\/p>\n<h3 class=\"pf0\"><span class=\"cf0\">Delusions in dementia <\/span><\/h3>\n<p class=\"pf0\"><span class=\"cf0\"><a href=\"https:\/\/www.dementiauk.org\/information-and-support\/health-advice\/false-beliefs-and-delusions-in-dementia\/\">Delusions<\/a> are false beliefs and are common in people with dementia. The person is unlikely to be able to think rationally about whether these delusions are true, and trying to provide them with a rational explanation may increase their frustration and distress. <\/span><\/p>\n<p class=\"pf0\"><span class=\"cf0\">Common delusions include: <\/span><\/p>\n<ul>\n<li class=\"pf0\"><span class=\"cf0\">thinking that someone is trying to steal from them\u202f<\/span><\/li>\n<li class=\"pf0\">thinking that someone is trying to harm them<\/li>\n<li class=\"pf0\">believing that their partner is being unfaithful<\/li>\n<li class=\"pf0\">thinking they\u2019re living in the past <span class=\"cf1\">\u2013 for example, that they still<\/span><span class=\"cf0\">\u202fgo to\u202fschool or work\u202f<\/span><\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<p class=\"pf0\"><span class=\"cf0\">Delusions can be very powerful and upsetting, especially if the person believes someone close to them can no longer be trusted. <\/span><\/p>\n<h2 class=\"pf0\"><span class=\"cf0\">How do I tell people I have dementia?<a id=\"talk\"><\/a> <\/span><\/h2>\n<p class=\"pf0\"><span class=\"cf0\">Telling others that you have been <a href=\"https:\/\/www.dementiauk.org\/information-and-support\/specialist-diagnosis-and-support\/\">diagnosed with dementia<\/a> can feel overwhelming, but sharing your news with people close to you can help them understand what is happening and offer support. <\/span><\/p>\n<h3 class=\"pf0\"><span class=\"cf0\">When to tell others <\/span><\/h3>\n<ul>\n<li class=\"pf0\"><span class=\"cf0\">Choose your own timing: there is no right or wrong time to share your diagnosis, so tell people when you feel ready <\/span><\/li>\n<li class=\"pf0\"><span class=\"cf0\">Plan ahead: think about who you want to tell and how you might do it <\/span><\/li>\n<li class=\"pf0\"><span class=\"cf0\">Start with those closest to you: many people find it helpful to talk to family or close friends first <\/span><\/li>\n<li class=\"pf0\"><span class=\"cf0\">Consider writing things down or rehearsing what you want to say <\/span><\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<p class=\"pf0\"><span class=\"cf0\">If you work, it\u2019s a good idea to tell your employer sooner rather than later as you are entitled to reasonable adjustments to help you continue in your job <\/span><\/p>\n<h3 class=\"pf0\"><span class=\"cf0\">How to tell people <\/span><\/h3>\n<ul>\n<li class=\"pf0\"><span class=\"cf0\">Be honest and open: share how you\u2019re feeling and what your diagnosis means for you <\/span><\/li>\n<li class=\"pf0\"><span class=\"cf0\">Let people know if you want practical support or just a listening ear <\/span><\/li>\n<li class=\"pf0\"><span class=\"cf0\">Use clear, simple language: explain what dementia is and how it might affect you, but don\u2019t feel pressured to provide all the answers <\/span><\/li>\n<li class=\"pf0\"><span class=\"cf0\">Share information: consider giving people our leaflets or directing them to our website or other reliable resources so they can learn more <\/span><\/li>\n<li class=\"pf0\"><span class=\"cf0\">Let people react in their own way. Some may be shocked, sad, or worried; others may feel relieved to understand what\u2019s been happening <\/span><\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<blockquote>\n<p class=\"pf0\"><span class=\"cf0\">\u201cI speak about my dementia diagnosis very openly. I\u2019m not embarrassed by it.\u202fIf you break your leg and you need crutches, you\u2019re not ashamed about it. We need to talk about dementia in the same way.\u201d <\/span><\/p>\n<\/blockquote>\n<p class=\"pf0\"><span class=\"cf0\">\u00a0&#8211; Andy, who lives with young onset dementia <\/span><\/p>\n<h2 class=\"pf0\"><span class=\"cf0\">Recognising when extra support is needed<a id=\"recognising\"><\/a> <\/span><\/h2>\n<p class=\"pf0\"><span class=\"cf0\">As dementia progresses, the person\u2019s needs will increase and they will need more help with daily life, although with the right support, many people can continue to live safely and independently in their own home for some time. <\/span><\/p>\n<p class=\"pf0\"><span class=\"cf0\">If you are considering whether extra support is needed, read our information on <a href=\"https:\/\/www.dementiauk.org\/information-and-support\/living-with-dementia\/living-alone-with-dementia\/\">living alone with dementia,<\/a> <a href=\"https:\/\/www.dementiauk.org\/information-and-support\/looking-after-yourself-as-a-carer\/finding-help-and-support-at-home\/\">finding care and support at home<\/a>, and <a href=\"https:\/\/www.dementiauk.org\/information-and-support\/specialist-diagnosis-and-support\/considering-a-care-home-for-a-person-with-dementia\/\">considering a care hom<\/a>e. <\/span><\/p>\n<blockquote>\n<p class=\"pf0\"><span class=\"cf0\">\u201cFor some years, I tried to put off arranging carers for myself. I have always found it much easier to provide care than to accept it. However, as I\u2019m living on my own, it\u2019s a personal hurdle I\u2019ve had to overcome. At the moment, I accept help twice a week.\u201d <\/span><\/p>\n<\/blockquote>\n<p class=\"pf0\"><span class=\"cf0\">\u00a0&#8211; Julie, who lives alone with dementia <\/span><\/p>\n<h2 class=\"pf0\"><span class=\"cf0\">Where to find help<a id=\"help\"><\/a> <\/span><\/h2>\n<p class=\"pf0\"><span class=\"cf0\">If you are living with dementia, it\u2019s essential to have support. This could come from: <\/span><\/p>\n<ul>\n<li class=\"pf0\"><span class=\"cf0\">family members and friends <\/span><\/li>\n<li class=\"pf0\"><span class=\"cf0\">your GP <\/span><\/li>\n<li class=\"pf0\"><span class=\"cf0\">a counsellor or therapist <\/span><span class=\"cf1\">\u2013 your GP can refer you, or you can refer yourself for talking therapy <\/span><\/li>\n<li class=\"pf0\"><span class=\"cf1\">support groups, online or in person <\/span><\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<p class=\"pf0\"><span class=\"cf1\">Our Admiral Nurses are here to answer any questions about dementia and offer practical advice and emotional support \u2013 you can contact our <a href=\"https:\/\/www.dementiauk.org\/information-and-support\/how-we-can-support-you\/admiral-nurse-dementia-helpline\/\">Helpline<\/a> or <a href=\"https:\/\/www.dementiauk.org\/information-and-support\/how-we-can-support-you\/book-a-virtual-appointment\/\">book a video or phone appointment<\/a>. <\/span><\/p>\n<h2>Sources of support<a id=\"support\"><\/a><\/h2>\n<h3 class=\"pf0\"><span class=\"cf1\">Dementia UK support resources <\/span><\/h3>\n<ul>\n<li class=\"pf0\"><a href=\"https:\/\/www.dementiauk.org\/information-and-support\/specialist-diagnosis-and-support\/emotional-impact-of-a-diagnosis\/\"><span class=\"cf1\">The emotional impact of a dementia diagnosis <\/span><\/a><\/li>\n<li class=\"pf0\"><a href=\"https:\/\/www.dementiauk.org\/information-and-support\/how-we-can-support-you\/\"><span class=\"cf1\">How we can support you <\/span><\/a><\/li>\n<li class=\"pf0\"><a href=\"https:\/\/www.dementiauk.org\/information-and-support\/about-dementia\/signs-and-symptoms-of-dementia\/\"><span class=\"cf1\">Signs and symptoms of dementia <\/span><\/a><\/li>\n<li class=\"pf0\"><a href=\"https:\/\/www.dementiauk.org\/information-and-support\/about-dementia\/stages-of-dementia\/\"><span class=\"cf1\">Stages of dementia <\/span><\/a><\/li>\n<li class=\"pf0\"><a href=\"https:\/\/www.dementiauk.org\/information-and-support\/looking-after-yourself-as-a-carer\/changing-relationships-and-roles\/\"><span class=\"cf1\">How dementia can affect relationships and roles <\/span><\/a><\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<p><!--EndFragment --><\/p>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"<p>Everyone will have their own experience of living with dementia. This\u00a0is shaped not just by the type\u00a0and stage\u00a0of dementia, but by a person\u2019s lifestyle,\u00a0personality\u00a0and the support\u00a0they receive.\u00a0\u00a0 People\u00a0affected by\u00a0dementia, alongside our\u00a0specialist Admiral Nurses,\u00a0share\u00a0their\u00a0personal\u00a0insight into what\u00a0it\u2019s\u00a0like to live with the condition.\u00a0 Everyone\u2019s journey is unique Dementia brings both challenges and opportunities. People living with dementia can [&hellip;]<\/p>\n","protected":false},"author":3,"featured_media":0,"parent":3225,"menu_order":0,"comment_status":"closed","ping_status":"closed","template":"","meta":{"_acf_changed":false,"_relevanssi_hide_post":"","_relevanssi_hide_content":"","_relevanssi_pin_for_all":"","_relevanssi_pin_keywords":"","_relevanssi_unpin_keywords":"","_relevanssi_related_keywords":"","_relevanssi_related_include_ids":"","_relevanssi_related_exclude_ids":"","_relevanssi_related_no_append":"","_relevanssi_related_not_related":"","_relevanssi_related_posts":"","_relevanssi_noindex_reason":"","footnotes":""},"class_list":["post-30170","page","type-page","status-publish","hentry"],"acf":[],"yoast_head":"<!-- This site is optimized with the Yoast SEO Premium plugin v27.0 (Yoast SEO v27.3) - https:\/\/yoast.com\/product\/yoast-seo-premium-wordpress\/ -->\n<title>What is it like to live with dementia? - Dementia UK<\/title>\n<meta name=\"description\" content=\"Explore what it is like to live with dementia through personal stories and insights from those affected by this condition.\" \/>\n<meta name=\"robots\" content=\"index, follow, max-snippet:-1, max-image-preview:large, max-video-preview:-1\" \/>\n<link rel=\"canonical\" href=\"https:\/\/www.dementiauk.org\/information-and-support\/about-dementia\/what-is-it-like-to-live-with-dementia\/\" \/>\n<meta property=\"og:locale\" content=\"en_US\" \/>\n<meta property=\"og:type\" content=\"article\" \/>\n<meta property=\"og:title\" content=\"What is it like to live with dementia?\" \/>\n<meta property=\"og:description\" content=\"Dementia UK is a charity that provides Admiral Nurses for families affected by dementia. Call our Dementia Helpline to find out how we can support you.\" \/>\n<meta property=\"og:url\" content=\"https:\/\/www.dementiauk.org\/information-and-support\/about-dementia\/what-is-it-like-to-live-with-dementia\/\" \/>\n<meta property=\"og:site_name\" content=\"Dementia UK\" \/>\n<meta property=\"article:publisher\" content=\"https:\/\/www.facebook.com\/DementiaUK\/\" \/>\n<meta property=\"article:modified_time\" content=\"2025-10-07T15:06:27+00:00\" \/>\n<meta property=\"og:image\" content=\"https:\/\/www.dementiauk.org\/wp-content\/uploads\/dementiauk_900x600logo.png\" \/>\n\t<meta property=\"og:image:width\" content=\"846\" \/>\n\t<meta property=\"og:image:height\" content=\"836\" \/>\n\t<meta property=\"og:image:type\" content=\"image\/png\" \/>\n<meta name=\"twitter:card\" content=\"summary_large_image\" \/>\n<meta name=\"twitter:site\" content=\"@dementiauk\" \/>\n<meta name=\"twitter:label1\" content=\"Est. reading time\" \/>\n\t<meta name=\"twitter:data1\" content=\"10 minutes\" \/>\n<script type=\"application\/ld+json\" class=\"yoast-schema-graph\">{\"@context\":\"https:\\\/\\\/schema.org\",\"@graph\":[{\"@type\":\"WebPage\",\"@id\":\"https:\\\/\\\/www.dementiauk.org\\\/information-and-support\\\/about-dementia\\\/what-is-it-like-to-live-with-dementia\\\/\",\"url\":\"https:\\\/\\\/www.dementiauk.org\\\/information-and-support\\\/about-dementia\\\/what-is-it-like-to-live-with-dementia\\\/\",\"name\":\"What is it like to live with dementia? - Dementia UK\",\"isPartOf\":{\"@id\":\"https:\\\/\\\/www.dementiauk.org\\\/#website\"},\"datePublished\":\"2025-10-06T13:00:07+00:00\",\"dateModified\":\"2025-10-07T15:06:27+00:00\",\"description\":\"Explore what it is like to live with dementia through personal stories and insights from those affected by this condition.\",\"breadcrumb\":{\"@id\":\"https:\\\/\\\/www.dementiauk.org\\\/information-and-support\\\/about-dementia\\\/what-is-it-like-to-live-with-dementia\\\/#breadcrumb\"},\"inLanguage\":\"en-US\",\"potentialAction\":[{\"@type\":\"ReadAction\",\"target\":[\"https:\\\/\\\/www.dementiauk.org\\\/information-and-support\\\/about-dementia\\\/what-is-it-like-to-live-with-dementia\\\/\"]}]},{\"@type\":\"BreadcrumbList\",\"@id\":\"https:\\\/\\\/www.dementiauk.org\\\/information-and-support\\\/about-dementia\\\/what-is-it-like-to-live-with-dementia\\\/#breadcrumb\",\"itemListElement\":[{\"@type\":\"ListItem\",\"position\":1,\"name\":\"Home\",\"item\":\"https:\\\/\\\/www.dementiauk.org\\\/\"},{\"@type\":\"ListItem\",\"position\":2,\"name\":\"Information and support\",\"item\":\"https:\\\/\\\/www.dementiauk.org\\\/information-and-support\\\/\"},{\"@type\":\"ListItem\",\"position\":3,\"name\":\"About dementia\",\"item\":\"https:\\\/\\\/www.dementiauk.org\\\/information-and-support\\\/about-dementia\\\/\"},{\"@type\":\"ListItem\",\"position\":4,\"name\":\"What is it like to live with dementia?\"}]},{\"@type\":\"WebSite\",\"@id\":\"https:\\\/\\\/www.dementiauk.org\\\/#website\",\"url\":\"https:\\\/\\\/www.dementiauk.org\\\/\",\"name\":\"Dementia UK\",\"description\":\"Specialist support to families facing dementia\",\"publisher\":{\"@id\":\"https:\\\/\\\/www.dementiauk.org\\\/#organization\"},\"potentialAction\":[{\"@type\":\"SearchAction\",\"target\":{\"@type\":\"EntryPoint\",\"urlTemplate\":\"https:\\\/\\\/www.dementiauk.org\\\/?s={search_term_string}\"},\"query-input\":{\"@type\":\"PropertyValueSpecification\",\"valueRequired\":true,\"valueName\":\"search_term_string\"}}],\"inLanguage\":\"en-US\"},{\"@type\":\"Organization\",\"@id\":\"https:\\\/\\\/www.dementiauk.org\\\/#organization\",\"name\":\"Dementia UK\",\"url\":\"https:\\\/\\\/www.dementiauk.org\\\/\",\"logo\":{\"@type\":\"ImageObject\",\"inLanguage\":\"en-US\",\"@id\":\"https:\\\/\\\/www.dementiauk.org\\\/#\\\/schema\\\/logo\\\/image\\\/\",\"url\":\"https:\\\/\\\/www.dementiauk.org\\\/wp-content\\\/uploads\\\/dementiauk_900x600logo.png\",\"contentUrl\":\"https:\\\/\\\/www.dementiauk.org\\\/wp-content\\\/uploads\\\/dementiauk_900x600logo.png\",\"width\":846,\"height\":836,\"caption\":\"Dementia UK\"},\"image\":{\"@id\":\"https:\\\/\\\/www.dementiauk.org\\\/#\\\/schema\\\/logo\\\/image\\\/\"},\"sameAs\":[\"https:\\\/\\\/www.facebook.com\\\/DementiaUK\\\/\",\"https:\\\/\\\/x.com\\\/dementiauk\",\"https:\\\/\\\/www.linkedin.com\\\/company\\\/dementia-uk\\\/\",\"https:\\\/\\\/www.tiktok.com\\\/@dementiauk\",\"https:\\\/\\\/www.youtube.com\\\/user\\\/DementiaUK1\",\"https:\\\/\\\/www.instagram.com\\\/dementia_uk\\\/\"],\"description\":\"Dementia UK is a charity that provides Admiral Nurses for families affected by dementia. Call our Dementia Helpline to find out how we can support you.\",\"email\":\"info@dementiauk.org\"}]}<\/script>\n<!-- \/ Yoast SEO Premium plugin. -->","yoast_head_json":{"title":"What is it like to live with dementia? - Dementia UK","description":"Explore what it is like to live with dementia through personal stories and insights from those affected by this condition.","robots":{"index":"index","follow":"follow","max-snippet":"max-snippet:-1","max-image-preview":"max-image-preview:large","max-video-preview":"max-video-preview:-1"},"canonical":"https:\/\/www.dementiauk.org\/information-and-support\/about-dementia\/what-is-it-like-to-live-with-dementia\/","og_locale":"en_US","og_type":"article","og_title":"What is it like to live with dementia?","og_description":"Dementia UK is a charity that provides Admiral Nurses for families affected by dementia. Call our Dementia Helpline to find out how we can support you.","og_url":"https:\/\/www.dementiauk.org\/information-and-support\/about-dementia\/what-is-it-like-to-live-with-dementia\/","og_site_name":"Dementia UK","article_publisher":"https:\/\/www.facebook.com\/DementiaUK\/","article_modified_time":"2025-10-07T15:06:27+00:00","og_image":[{"width":846,"height":836,"url":"https:\/\/www.dementiauk.org\/wp-content\/uploads\/dementiauk_900x600logo.png","type":"image\/png"}],"twitter_card":"summary_large_image","twitter_site":"@dementiauk","twitter_misc":{"Est. reading time":"10 minutes"},"schema":{"@context":"https:\/\/schema.org","@graph":[{"@type":"WebPage","@id":"https:\/\/www.dementiauk.org\/information-and-support\/about-dementia\/what-is-it-like-to-live-with-dementia\/","url":"https:\/\/www.dementiauk.org\/information-and-support\/about-dementia\/what-is-it-like-to-live-with-dementia\/","name":"What is it like to live with dementia? - Dementia UK","isPartOf":{"@id":"https:\/\/www.dementiauk.org\/#website"},"datePublished":"2025-10-06T13:00:07+00:00","dateModified":"2025-10-07T15:06:27+00:00","description":"Explore what it is like to live with dementia through personal stories and insights from those affected by this condition.","breadcrumb":{"@id":"https:\/\/www.dementiauk.org\/information-and-support\/about-dementia\/what-is-it-like-to-live-with-dementia\/#breadcrumb"},"inLanguage":"en-US","potentialAction":[{"@type":"ReadAction","target":["https:\/\/www.dementiauk.org\/information-and-support\/about-dementia\/what-is-it-like-to-live-with-dementia\/"]}]},{"@type":"BreadcrumbList","@id":"https:\/\/www.dementiauk.org\/information-and-support\/about-dementia\/what-is-it-like-to-live-with-dementia\/#breadcrumb","itemListElement":[{"@type":"ListItem","position":1,"name":"Home","item":"https:\/\/www.dementiauk.org\/"},{"@type":"ListItem","position":2,"name":"Information and support","item":"https:\/\/www.dementiauk.org\/information-and-support\/"},{"@type":"ListItem","position":3,"name":"About dementia","item":"https:\/\/www.dementiauk.org\/information-and-support\/about-dementia\/"},{"@type":"ListItem","position":4,"name":"What is it like to live with dementia?"}]},{"@type":"WebSite","@id":"https:\/\/www.dementiauk.org\/#website","url":"https:\/\/www.dementiauk.org\/","name":"Dementia UK","description":"Specialist support to families facing dementia","publisher":{"@id":"https:\/\/www.dementiauk.org\/#organization"},"potentialAction":[{"@type":"SearchAction","target":{"@type":"EntryPoint","urlTemplate":"https:\/\/www.dementiauk.org\/?s={search_term_string}"},"query-input":{"@type":"PropertyValueSpecification","valueRequired":true,"valueName":"search_term_string"}}],"inLanguage":"en-US"},{"@type":"Organization","@id":"https:\/\/www.dementiauk.org\/#organization","name":"Dementia UK","url":"https:\/\/www.dementiauk.org\/","logo":{"@type":"ImageObject","inLanguage":"en-US","@id":"https:\/\/www.dementiauk.org\/#\/schema\/logo\/image\/","url":"https:\/\/www.dementiauk.org\/wp-content\/uploads\/dementiauk_900x600logo.png","contentUrl":"https:\/\/www.dementiauk.org\/wp-content\/uploads\/dementiauk_900x600logo.png","width":846,"height":836,"caption":"Dementia UK"},"image":{"@id":"https:\/\/www.dementiauk.org\/#\/schema\/logo\/image\/"},"sameAs":["https:\/\/www.facebook.com\/DementiaUK\/","https:\/\/x.com\/dementiauk","https:\/\/www.linkedin.com\/company\/dementia-uk\/","https:\/\/www.tiktok.com\/@dementiauk","https:\/\/www.youtube.com\/user\/DementiaUK1","https:\/\/www.instagram.com\/dementia_uk\/"],"description":"Dementia UK is a charity that provides Admiral Nurses for families affected by dementia. Call our Dementia Helpline to find out how we can support you.","email":"info@dementiauk.org"}]}},"_links":{"self":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.dementiauk.org\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/pages\/30170","targetHints":{"allow":["GET"]}}],"collection":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.dementiauk.org\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/pages"}],"about":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.dementiauk.org\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/types\/page"}],"author":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.dementiauk.org\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/users\/3"}],"replies":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.dementiauk.org\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/comments?post=30170"}],"version-history":[{"count":0,"href":"https:\/\/www.dementiauk.org\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/pages\/30170\/revisions"}],"up":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.dementiauk.org\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/pages\/3225"}],"wp:attachment":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.dementiauk.org\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media?parent=30170"}],"curies":[{"name":"wp","href":"https:\/\/api.w.org\/{rel}","templated":true}]}}