First steps after a dementia diagnosis

You don't have to figure everything out today. Most families take these steps over weeks and months, not hours. The goal of this page is to give you a short, sane order of operations.

This week

• Write down the specific changes you've noticed and when they started.
• Schedule a visit with the person's primary care doctor and bring the notes.
• Ask the doctor about a cognitive evaluation or a referral to a neurologist.
• Make a list of all current medications, supplements, and doses.
• Collect basic legal/financial documents in one place (or note what's missing).

This month

• Ask about a Power of Attorney for health and finances while the person can still participate.
• Talk to immediate family about who will help with what.
• Identify one trusted point person for medical appointments.
• Look at the home for safety risks (stove, falls, wandering, medications).
• If they're a veteran, start the VA caregiver and benefits conversation early.

Get oriented to dementia

Dementia is an umbrella term for changes in memory, thinking, and behavior serious enough to affect daily life. Alzheimer's disease is one common cause. A medical evaluation is the only way to understand what's going on. See Dementia vs. Alzheimer's.

What to expect next

Care needs usually grow over time. Many families eventually consider in-home help, adult day programs, or memory care. See What Is Memory Care? and How to Pay for Care.

You are not alone

Texas has free, trusted help lines and support groups. See Texas Resources, Caregiver Support, and the Resource Directory.

This page is educational only and is not a substitute for medical, legal, or financial advice.