Over 7 million Americans are living with Alzheimer’s disease. This translates to nearly 12 million Americans providing care for a loved one with memory loss. Alzheimer’s disease is a form of dementia, and while it accounts for 60-70% of diagnoses, there are more than 100 types of dementia.

Dementia is not one specific disease—it’s a broad term used to describe symptoms resulting from a range of causes. These symptoms can include memory loss, depression, difficulty thinking and reasoning, an inability to focus on daily tasks, impulsive behavior, poor judgment, overall confusion, and more.

When a loved one is diagnosed with dementia, it can be difficult for both of you. What should you do? What steps should you take to help them get the care and support they need? The four steps below can help you and your family create a care plan for your loved one living with Alzheimer’s or another form of dementia.

1. The Right Diagnosis

The first step is to work with their doctor to rule out treatable causes of cognitive loss. Not all memory concerns are caused by neurological deterioration. They could be side effects of other health issues, such as thyroid disease, vitamin deficiencies, or even infections, such as a urinary tract infection, that cause dementia-like symptoms. Overmedication or drug interactions from prescription regimens that aren’t coordinated can contribute to memory loss, so it is important to review all their medications with the primary care physician. In such cases, treatment of the underlying causes might alleviate memory loss.

Your loved one’s doctor may order laboratory tests and scans to rule out other causes. If the doctor suspects that adverse drug interactions have caused their symptoms, they may revise the medication regimen. You may be asked to help monitor their medication compliance and to track symptoms to help the doctor reach a definitive diagnosis.

If it is determined that the cognitive loss is caused by dementia or Alzheimer’s, their doctor can also help identify and define which stage your loved one is experiencing. Understanding where they are on their journey can help you better understand their needs and even help with effective communication strategies.

2. Ask Questions, Get Support

Your loved one will benefit from both emotional and physical support—and you don’t have to do it alone. Many families find comfort in leaning on one another, seeking in-home care, or exploring memory care communities within continuing care retirement communities like Marjorie P. Lee in Hyde Park, Ohio.

As a care partner, it is important to understand dementia and memory loss in order to know how to support your loved one and help give them the care they need. Low-cost and no-cost resources, such as Episcopal Retirement Services’ Center for Memory Support and Inclusion, are excellent sources of information and support for those living with dementia and their care partners. The Alzheimer’s Association—Greater Cincinnati Chapter and the Council on Aging can also connect you with learning opportunities, support groups, and other resources.

3. Make Financial, Legal and Medical Arrangements

Working together on a care plan helps your loved one’s wishes shine through and gives everyone peace of mind.

After a diagnosis, many families find it helpful to start conversations about the future—especially around continuing care retirement communities (CCRCs) that offer memory support. These communities are designed to help residents live as independently as possible, with private apartments and inviting shared spaces that encourage connection and engagement. Families also use this time to talk through important plans, such as medical, legal, and financial powers of attorney, as well as advance care directives. Putting these details in place together not only helps support your loved one’s wishes but can also provide peace of mind, reduce stress, and allow everyone to focus more on enjoying time together.

4. Plan for Additional Support or Possible Move

A continuing care retirement community (CCRC) like Marjorie P. Lee can provide everything from assisted living with memory support therapy to advanced round-the-clock nursing care.

A move to a CCRC can provide your loved one with a way to socialize with other older adults and live as independently as possible, for as long as possible. When someone living with dementia enters a memory care community, their care partners can spend less time as caregivers and more time interacting with them in more relaxing, fun ways.

Programs for memory care residents at Marjorie P. Lee (MPL) include SAIDO®, a non-pharmaceutical memory care intervention, music and art therapy, and other research-driven activities that promote fine motor skill, keep the mind active, and support engagement and joy. They also offer horticulture therapy, word games, and more. Some activities include support from the broader Cincinnati community, with special guests from local organizations who provide engaging events, presentations, and even musical performances.

After an Alzheimer’s or other dementia diagnosis, there is strength in preparation. By taking proactive steps to explore care options and put plans in place, you and your loved one can ease future uncertainties and focus on what matters most—spending meaningful, quality time together.

A diagnosis doesn’t erase joy, connection, or possibility. With preparation and the right support, you and your loved one can approach the future with confidence—focusing on meaningful moments and the comfort of knowing you’re not alone.

We’re Here to Help

A CCRC like Marjorie P. Lee offers residents support and peace of mind. With a full continuum of care, residents can remain in the community they love, even if their care needs change. From memory support assisted living, skilled nursing, and long-term care, our dedicated staff provides person-centered care and support each step of the way.

If you or a loved one is exploring memory care options, we invite you to experience the warmth and exceptional care at Marjorie P. Lee. Schedule a complimentary tour today by contacting our Director of Community Relations, Jenn Schlotbom, at 513.533.5000 or jschlotbom@erslife.org.