The changes might come slowly at first. Routines you’ve followed for years start to feel unfamiliar. Tasks that used to be automatic, like preparing a meal or keeping up with appointments, might take longer now. 

When you first heard the word “dementia” from your doctor, the world probably felt like it shifted. But here’s something important: you still have choices. You still have a voice. And you can still live well. Research continues to show that lifestyle choices can shape how we experience dementia. 

Let’s explore what that can look like, beginning right where you are. 

Start with Stress Relief 

Managing stress is one of the most powerful things you can do to support your brain health. Chronic stress makes memory problems feel like a heavier burden than they need to be. But you can find relief and a sense of calm with practical strategies. 

Think of the ways that stress shows up in your daily life. Maybe you feel tense when plans change unexpectedly. Perhaps you have trouble sleeping or find yourself getting impatient more quickly than before. Recognizing these early warning signs gives you more control over how you respond. 

So, how do you actually manage stress in daily life?  Here are some simple ideas to consider: 

• Go outside to breathe in some fresh air and enjoy some natural light. 

• Listen to a song that always makes you smile. 

• Touch something with an interesting texture — a soft blanket or a beloved pet. 

• Enjoy a cup of tea and flip through photo albums that spark good memories. 

• Smell something pleasant, like flowers or your favorite lotion. 

• Call someone who listens without trying to fix everything. 

You might be surprised at how small actions can improve your mood. 

Stay Active and Connected 

Another great way to manage your stress is through movement. Exercise helps you feel better and improves blood flow to the brain. Movement can also protect your memory. Even simple actions count: a quick 10-minute walk through your neighborhood or a dance session in the kitchen while dinner simmers. 

Keeping your mind engaged proves just as beneficial as physical activity. Try creative outlets that speak to you. Maybe you enjoy painting with watercolors, doing crafts, or tackling a jigsaw puzzle. Or maybe you enjoy learning new things in a class. 

When you add social connection to the mix, the benefits multiply. Relationships protect your emotional health and help preserve your sense of identity. Spend time with friends and family. And don’t be afraid to ask for help. Tell them how you feel and communicate what your limits are. Consider joining a support group or attending community events where you can meet others on a similar journey. 

People who stay socially connected consistently report higher well-being and a stronger sense of belonging. These connections can point you toward what brings meaning to your life. 

Hold Onto Purpose and Joy 

Purpose is personal. It’s the reason you look forward to getting up in the morning and the thing that makes you feel most like yourself. Dementia may change how you spend your time, but it cannot erase who you are at your core. 

Your purpose doesn’t need to be big or impressive to matter. It just needs to feel like you. You might find fulfillment in simple chores like folding laundry, setting the table, or feeding your pet. Meaning might come from gardening, attending a worship service, or volunteering in ways that match your current abilities. Many people also find it helpful to keep a daily routine. When things feel unsettled, that gentle structure can feel grounding. 

Technology can help here, too. Medication apps that send reminders, GPS devices that help you feel confident going places alone, and smart home features designed with your needs in mind can all support your independence. Experiment with one new tool at a time and give yourself space to adjust. 

Purpose often grows stronger when shared with others. Families that set small goals together say they feel closer and more supported through difficult times. Pick one manageable activity for the week ahead and see how it goes. 

Focusing on your sense of purpose goes hand in hand with supporting your physical health. In fact, both give you more control over how you feel each day. 

Take Care of Your Whole Self 

Think of caring for your body as giving yourself the best possible foundation for enjoying the activities that matter most to you. Small, daily choices can help you feel more like yourself, even when things feel uncertain. Here are a few ideas for getting started: 

• Eat well: A Mediterranean-style diet that’s rich in vegetables, whole grains, olive oil, nuts, and fish has been linked to slower cognitive decline. Think colorful plates and simple, fresh ingredients. 

• Drink enough water: Dehydration gets overlooked, but it directly affects concentration and memory. 

• Prioritize sleep: Try a consistent bedtime routine and limit evening screens. It’s best to avoid heavy meals before bed. 

• Get your hearing and vision checked: Researchers have discovered a strong link between hearing loss and vision loss to dementia risk. Call your doctor if you notice changes in your hearing or sight. 

Keep Choosing Hope 

Living with dementia may change some parts of your life, but it cannot diminish your worth. You have the power to create moments of meaning and maintain connections with people you love and who truly know you. 

At Charter Research, we believe that living well with dementia means having access to tools, care, and a community that truly sees you. We invite you to be part of that. Check out one of our free local events and make new friends. 

If you’re interested, we can also talk about how your experience might help shape the next generation of dementia treatments. Give us a call at 407-337-3000 (Orlando), 352-441-2000 (The Villages), or 773-300-1000 (Chicago). Or you can submit the form on this page, and a member of our team will call you within 24 hours (excluding weekends). 

You’re not alone, and you don’t have to figure it all out at once. Just keep choosing hope, one intentional day at a time.