Diagnosed with mild dementia so what should I expect in future?

Good advice. I had all the testing done years ago, but not recently, except for the one where you have to remember 3 things, which I failed massively. [I didn't quiite say "woman, man, television", but close! :} ] I think if I am referred to a clinic here (Seattle), I will no doubt have to go through them all again. Yes, they're a pain, but it will be interesting to find out what's changed. Unfortunately, though, clinics from the 1990s don't usually keep their old records that long. Anyway, I'm hoping for the best!

I forgot to add - as things change - focus on the things that you CAN do and try not to dwell on the things you cant or wont do anymore. Believe me - it is HARD to do. It is something I have to remind myself of everyday. Staying as positive as possible is very important and overall good for you. This along with a good exercise routine, good diet, regular times of rest and a good stretching routine also helps a lot. All things we should do regardless of our afflictions.
Starting off on these things NOW before they become more difficult is something I would highly recommend. Then when things are changing - you wil already have these things in your routing. You wont have to learn them later when learning might be a challenge. For most challenges there is a way around them.
Her is an example of thinking of what I can do instead of what I cant do. I was doing some home PT for a couple of months. We thought yoga would be something good to try.
Immediately I thought of the many reasons I couldn’t do that. For every reason I gave - he gave me two ways to work around it. From that I learned this lesson - focus on the abilities!!!
It might sound weird - I now do chair yoga and find it very therapeutic.

Peace
Larry

Hello Sarah - I was diagnosed with LBD a few years back. Before the diagnosis I was noticing things were different but didn’t think too much of it. I was diagnosed with Parkinson’s several years earlier - so much of what I was feeling was attributed to the PD.
So what to expect - expect the unexpected.
I will preface that everyone s different. If you talk to 10 people with LBD - you will probably get many different symptoms / combination of symptoms.
I was able to help make decisions for myself - with input from my family - before I might not be able to.
I made the conscious decision to stop driving in 2019. This was prompted by getting lost and inattention.
We took steps to make sure I had the paperwork to designate a health care surrogate. Power of attorney.
I have found that working to make some decisions - or at least thinking about it to be helpful. I think being able to make decisions - like giving up the keys makes things much easier instead of waiting until my family would take them.

What to expect? Everyone is different - for me I have become very structured - I have to have an anticipated schedule. If it deviates a lot - i dont do well.
Social situations are becoming difficult. I am having problems understanding facial expressions - which is challenging during a conversion.
Communication changes. I have found that I lose my train of thought -even in the middle of a conversation. I want to say something but by the time I can jump in - the thought is gone. So to compensate - I jump in and talk over people to get my thought out.
I am slow to get things out. I think and have to process the words to say and sometimes by the time it comes out - it isn’t what it started out as.
Mobility - I can’t say for sure how much the LBD has effected this as I am also a PD and MD patient as well. (I got hit by a jackpot).
Falls - I have taken a few falls - nothing major Worst was a slight knee injury.
Hallucinations - for me not too bad. I am able to realize they are not real - but it sure can get my attention when I am i the middle of it.
Depression - yes
Multitasking - none existant - I have to have directions read a couple steps at a time. Looking at something like directions to put something together - well my 5 year old grandson does better.
Comprehension of new material is very difficult.

I might suggest a program that Mayo has and probably others as well have similiar programs. The Mayo program is called HABIT. It is geared toward people with dementia and their caregivers.
They address a lot of the things to be thinking about for planning purposes.
They also help with coping strategies for different situations. They go over all of these with you so you are getting advice geared toward you.
They can give a lot of insight into what to expect.

I hope this isn’t too hard to follow. I also have a hard time with putting thoughts together in a coherent way at times.

Closing thoughts - find ways to keep a sense of humor. We have found that helps a lot.

Here is a link to the Habit program - https://www.mayoclinic.org/departments-centers/psychiatry/services/habit-program

Peace
Larry

I have all those cognitive issues, too, but started drinking Coconut Milk (canned), cookimg with Coconut Oil, and taking MCT Oil capsules (coconut oil derivative).
My scores on the 3 hr. neuro-cognitive test have improved for the past 2 yrs. & i can tell an improvement in brain functioning in so many ways.
There are SO MANY BRAIN-HEALTHY things we can do to help: brain games, socialization, other brain healthy foods: walnuts, almonds, avocados, dark green salads, spices (such as tumeric, nutmeg, cinnamon), stayimg active, and like you said, HUMOR!
I try to stay positive by finding even little things to make me happy: pretty pictures, going outside looking at nature, reading cartoons, etc.
Afterall, its MORE FUN to be HAPPY than sad.