How to Foster a Positive Mindset When Living With Dementia

Learning how to foster a positive mindset is essential when living with dementia. The disease can be brutal, so it is important to use tactics such as the 5C's of positive thinking and brain rewiring exercises to understand the connection between mindset and memory. 

Did you know that dementia is one of the primary diseases affecting the elderly population in the United States? NYU reports that the cases of dementia diagnosed annually are expected to double to one million by 2060, highlighting the exponential increase in dementia diagnoses. 

In this article, we will explore the benefits of a positive mindset when combating dementia for seniors in San Antonio, TX, and how positive thinking can influence every aspect of your life. 

Why Do I Struggle to Be Positive? 

Dementia is a devastating diagnosis, whether you are the patient or the afflicted individual is someone you love. The disease progression can be slow or quick, depending on the type of dementia. Individual circumstances can also influence how soon the effects of dementia become obvious. 

It can be difficult to maintain positivity when you feel your old life slipping away. Losing precious memories and essential skills can spur: 

• Negativity
• Anger
• Irritability
• Depression 

The Connection Between Mindset and Memory Care

A positive mindset is crucial to thriving in memory care and having a rewarding experience. Although there is no definitive link, Cognitive Vitality reports a correlation between positive thinking and improved health outlooks, including those of dementia patients. 

How Do I Rewire My Brain to Think Positively? 

Rewiring your brain is not as simple as you may believe, but it is also achievable. Here are some of the key dementia wellness strategies that dementia patients can use to cultivate a positive mindset following diagnosis. 

Try Mindfulness and Meditation

Mindfulness and meditation are slightly different, but the two practices often go hand in hand. Mindfulness is the act of being completely aware of your surroundings and focusing on existing in the present moment. 

Meditation is the act of practicing mindfulness in a meaningful way. Individuals use techniques such as breathing patterns and visualization to relax into the present. 

When dementia sufferers become agitated, guided meditation can be a great way to help encourage feelings of calmness. 

Consider Therapy

A therapist who specializes in dementia can help you work through complicated feelings associated with the diagnosis. It can be challenging to cope with the reality when you receive the news, and even more distressing as symptoms become more noticeable. 

Cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT) will help you identify the root causes of some of your emotions and teach you positive coping mechanisms for when you feel out of control or overwhelmed. 

Redirect Your Negative Thoughts

Negative thinking patterns are very common in dementia patients, from the pain of initial diagnosis to increased feelings of anger and aggression as the disease affects different areas of the brain. Harnessing your negative thoughts and transforming them into positive alternatives can do wonders for your mental health. 

When you find yourself having a negative thought, pause and fully understand what it is you are thinking about. Then, challenge the thought by questioning its origin and whether it has any basis in reality. 

Next, reframe the thought by turning it into something positive. For example, an original thought of "Every day, my dementia gets worse" can turn into something like "Every day, I have further opportunities to improve myself and slow my disease."

Frequently Asked Questions 

Why Are Dementia Patients Often Aggressive or Irritable? 

As dementia progresses, the disease affects parts of the brain that can control emotional regulation. Additionally, dementia often causes irritation because those suffering often cannot remember why they are unable to recall names or complete tasks they used to accomplish with ease. 

In advanced stages, many people with dementia can no longer communicate effectively. Therefore, if they are uncomfortable with their surroundings or in pain, they may use aggressive behavior to convey that message to caregivers or loved ones. 

Dementia also begins to impact areas of the brain that affect impulse control. Those suffering from the disease might take impulsive actions or say things they do not mean, without thinking about the consequences ahead of time. 

How Can Memory Care Provide Emotional Support for Dementia?

While positive aging with memory loss can be challenging, it is certainly attainable, especially with the right levels of care and support. Memory care is a stable environment for residents with dementia, and it provides routine to minimize confusion and anxiety. 

At The Haven & the Laurels in Stone Oak, we offer two streamlined floor plans for our memory care residents: 

• Persimmon: A shared suite with two beds and a bathroom.
• Sugarberry: A private suite with a single bathroom and a combined living and sleeping area.

Safety features ensure residents can remain as independent as possible without the risk of falls or accidents. Our caring and compassionate staff are available 24 hours a day for as-needed assistance and cognitive enrichment. 

What Are Some Other Resources for Senior Mental Health Support? 

While memory care offers plenty of resources for our residents, there are also other types of resources that can provide additional support. For example, we work with veteran organizations such as Patriot Angels to connect former servicemembers with further benefits. 

Learn How to Foster a Positive Mindset at The Haven & The Laurels in Stone Oak

If you are still wondering how to foster a positive mindset in retirement, look no further than The Haven & the Laurels in Stone Oak. With this guide, you can navigate dementia with ease and lead a fulfilling and enriching lifestyle while doing it. 

At The Haven & the Laurels in Stone Oak, we pride ourselves on offering premier assisted living and memory care programs for our residents. Our dedicated staff helps guide residents and provides exclusive programs and amenities, such as chef-prepared dining, housekeeping, and concierge services, so you can focus on cultivating a fulfilling lifestyle. 

Are you ready to experience all that The Haven & the Laurels in Stone Oak has to offer? Reach out to us today to learn more about our beautiful community, or visit us in person at our location in San Antonio, TX. We can't wait to hear from you!