Living Well with Dementia with adv ice from a leading expert.

October 22, 2026

Find out how to deal with dementia effectively and live a fulfilling life with advice from a leading expert.

A dementia diagnosis is what many fear most, so find out how to deal with it effectively and liv e a fulfilling life.

Dr Zaldy Tan, director of the Memory and Healthy Ageing Programme at Cedars-Sinai Medical Center, says people can continue to enjoy a good quality of life for years after an early diagnosis.

His key message is don’t ignore possible warning signs. Everyday forgetfulness can be normal with age, but getting lost in familiar places or putting objects somewhere completely inappropriate deserves medical attention.

Tan says, scientists have learnt much about the importance of a healthy lifestyle — such as good diet, sleep, exercise and low stress — as a way to “tip the odds in our favour”. Still, “no one can say, ‘I will not get dementia,’” he says. But he points to the fact that most people don’t live into their nineties, and since dementia generally occurs in people in their sixties, seventies and eighties, “if you push that on by five, ten, twenty years, it’s almost equivalent to a cure”. 

Here are his 11 things to think about following a diagnosis.

1. You won’t necessarily lose all your memory

There are different types of memory. Someone may forget dates or addresses but still remember how to play the piano, dance, sing or perform other familiar skills.

The important thing is to make the most of the abilities that remain.

2. Get a precise diagnosis

Dementia isn’t a single disease. Alzheimer’s, vascular dementia, Lewy body dementia and frontotemporal dementia can affect people differently.

Knowing which type you have can influence treatment, help manage symptoms and give you and your family a better idea of what to expect.

3. Deal with difficult decisions early

Don’t postpone important conversations.

While you’re able to express your wishes clearly, consider your will, finances, power of attorney, future care, medical preferences and living arrangements.

Putting your wishes in writing can prevent uncertainty and disagreements later.

4. Reconsider your priorities

Ask yourself what genuinely makes you happy.

Perhaps it’s travelling, a favourite hobby, spending time with grandchildren or seeing more of your closest friends.

A diagnosis can be an opportunity to spend less time doing things out of obligation and more time doing what matters.

5. Think about your regrets

Some regrets can’t be changed, but others can.

Is there someone you want to contact? An apology you’ve never made? Something you’ve always wanted to say?

Sometimes addressing unfinished business can bring considerable peace of mind.

6. Let go of old grudges

Old arguments and resentments take up valuable emotional space.

Where possible, forgive, reconnect or simply decide that something from the past no longer deserves your attention.

Think of it as emotional spring cleaning.

7. Try new activities

Early dementia doesn’t mean you should stop learning.

Walking, gardening, music, art, crafts, dancing and volunteering can provide mental and physical stimulation as well as valuable social contact.

Choose activities that are enjoyable rather than unnecessarily complicated.

8. Understand how dementia may progress

Learning about your particular condition can help you plan ahead.

It may also stop you giving up activities prematurely simply because you assume you can no longer do them.

Ask your healthcare team what changes you might expect and what support is available.

9. Multitask less

Trying to do several things simultaneously can become increasingly difficult and potentially unsafe.

When cooking, driving or doing anything requiring concentration, reduce distractions and concentrate on the task in front of you.

One thing at a time is often safer.

10. Keep creating new memories

A diagnosis isn’t a reason to stop having new experiences.

Take the holiday. Meet the old friend. Go to the theatre. Spend time with your family. Try something you’ve always fancied doing.

Enjoyable and unusual experiences can still become meaningful memories.

11. Intimacy can continue

Dementia doesn’t automatically end a person’s desire for affection or sexual intimacy.

Provided both partners are able to consent, physical intimacy can remain an important part of a relationship. As circumstances change, affection can also be expressed through cuddling, holding hands, kissing or massage.

This article is based on the book What to Remember When You Are Forgetting by Dr Zaldy Tan. 

Read our article on what preventative steps you can take to delay dementia