Living with Dementia: Our Journey and the 10 Lifestyle Changes We've Made
- The Good Company People
- Jan 16
- 3 min read
Updated: Sep 30
This article was written by one of our Good Company members who wanted to share their experience of living with dementia and what has helped them along the way.
In 2019, my wife noticed I was asking her the same question three times in ten minutes. We decided it was time to get things checked out. After seeing my GP, I was referred to the Memory Assessment Clinic where I was told I had what they called “Age-Related Memory Decline.” At first we thought it was nothing serious, but looking back it was an important wake-up call.
By March 2023, the diagnosis had changed to Mild Alzheimer’s. Hearing those words was upsetting, but it also set us on a path to find out more. We learned that many cases of dementia can be prevented or delayed by looking after brain health. That gave us hope. We realised there were steps we could take to slow things down and improve our quality of life.
With that in mind, we began making small but important changes to our daily routines. Here are ten that have made the biggest difference for us:
Our 10 Lifestyle Changes
Carrying a Diary for 'Backup Memory'
I bought a small pocket diary with a pencil attached and now carry it everywhere. It is my second memory, helping me keep track of plans and appointments. Cargo trousers with big patch pockets have become my best friend, perfect for holding both diary and phone safely.
Getting My Hearing Checked
I used to complain that my wife mumbled, but she insisted she did not. A test showed I needed hearing aids. Wearing them regularly has made me more alert and focused, and it helps me stay connected in conversations.
Eating Healthier
We cut down on processed food, ready meals, sugar and alcohol, and added more fruit and vegetables. We have both lost a bit of weight, and cooking together has become a fun way to share time.
Staying Hydrated
We aim for light straw coloured urine as a guide. To help, we bought a set of glasses we fill each morning with water and lemon or tangerine slices, leaving them out as a visual reminder. Alexa also helps by reminding us to drink water regularly.
Staying Active
Walking every day is a must, even a short stroll helps. A few years ago we took up Nordic walking with poles, which has been great for strength, balance and overall fitness.
Trying New Things
Keeping our brains active matters. We are learning new skills like juggling and playing the ukulele. Both are still a work in progress, but they make us laugh and keep us engaged.
Playing Table Tennis
We turned our dining table into a table tennis table and it has become our number one passion. It gives us laughter, coordination practice, stimulation for the brain and fun with friends of all ages.
Finding Laughter
Besides table tennis, we love watching Shaun the Sheep on YouTube. It might sound simple, but laughter really does lift the mood.
Being Social
We make an effort to meet friends and family, and to invite new people over for coffee or a game of table tennis. Staying social gives our days structure and keeps us feeling connected.
Prioritising Rest and Sleep
Alexa reminds us to turn off the TV and head to bed earlier than before. A proper night’s sleep makes a huge difference. We also take a 30 minute lie down after lunch, which helps us recharge.
A Note from My Wife
Living with a partner with memory loss can sometimes be frustrating. When I feel my patience slipping, I pause and take a deep breath. I learned a breathing technique on a Good Company First Aid course for carers, and it has been a lifesaver for calming me down. It helps me avoid saying things I might regret in the heat of the moment.
Why This Matters
Making these changes has not fixed dementia, but it has helped us feel more proactive and positive. Small adjustments to food, movement, sleep and social life have given us confidence and a sense of control.
Just as importantly, we have found friendship and encouragement through The Good Company People. Meeting others who are living with similar challenges reminds us we are not alone.
