A dementia diagnosis — what to do next
A dementia diagnosis is one of the hardest moments a family faces. In the weeks that follow, there are practical decisions to make — legal, financial, and care-related — while also processing what the diagnosis means emotionally. This guide walks you through what to prioritise and when.
When my mother Helen was diagnosed with Alzheimer's, I didn't know what to do first. The hospital gave us a leaflet. The GP referred us to a memory clinic. But nobody sat with us and said — here is what you need to think about, and here is the order to do it. That is what this section of CareGuide UK is for.
The first things to prioritise after a diagnosis
The weeks after a diagnosis are emotionally raw, but a small number of decisions made early on will save the family enormous difficulty later. The timeline below sets out what to prioritise — immediately, within three months, and within twelve.
Immediately
- Tell close family and decide who is the primary contact
- Register with the local GP memory service if not already done
- Apply for Attendance Allowance (if over 65)
- Begin conversations about Lasting Power of Attorney — before capacity is lost
Within 3 months
- Set up Lasting Power of Attorney (health & welfare AND property & financial)
- Request a care needs assessment from the local authority
- Check eligibility for any NHS-funded support
- Review the person's will and financial arrangements
Within 12 months
- Understand care options for when needs increase
- Consider whether the home needs adapting
- Research local dementia care provision
- Connect with a local dementia support group
Understanding the diagnosis
Dementia is not a single condition. The type of dementia matters because it affects how the condition progresses, the kinds of care needed, and what to expect over time. The four most common types are:
- Alzheimer's disease — the most common form, typically slow and gradual, affecting memory first.
- Vascular dementia — caused by reduced blood flow to the brain, often after a stroke. Progression can be step-like.
- Dementia with Lewy bodies — combines memory loss with movement symptoms similar to Parkinson's disease and visual hallucinations.
- Frontotemporal dementia — affects personality and behaviour first, often appearing in younger people.
For tailored guidance on the care options available, read our dementia care guide →
The legal steps that cannot wait
The single most urgent legal task after a dementia diagnosis is setting up Lasting Power of Attorney. Once mental capacity is significantly reduced, an LPA can no longer be created — and the family has to apply to the Court of Protection for a deputyship order, which is slow, expensive, and stressful. Done early, an LPA takes a few weeks and a few hundred pounds. Done too late, deputyship can take many months and cost thousands.
Read our full guide to Lasting Power of Attorney →
Planning ahead for care
Care may not be needed for years. But knowing the options early makes the decision easier when the time comes. Many families regret leaving the conversation until a crisis forces it. Take the time, while there is no urgency, to understand what's available locally, what good looks like, and what the person with dementia wants for themselves.
Start with our guide to dementia care and our local care directory.
Support for the whole family
Carers of people with dementia face particular pressures: the long goodbye, personality changes, and the loss of the relationship they once knew. Looking after yourself is not a luxury — it is essential to being able to keep going.
Visit our support hub for family carers. The Alzheimer's Society and Dementia UK also offer specialist helplines and local support groups.