It is advisable for both the carer and the person with dementia to seek emotional support as early as possible after the diagnosis, as it may help to release some of your feelings rather than bottling them up. The positive value of talking to people who have experienced similar situations cannot be underestimated.

As a carer you may find yourself in the unfortunate position of having to care for a relative with whom you have never got on. Or, since the majority of carers are women, you may find yourself trying to fit caring duties in between being a wife, mother and paid work. Help is what you need if you want to remain sane and be an effective carer at the same time.

Developing effective ways to deal with the emotional upheavals associated with dementia is a crucial part of managing the disease process and ensuring the wellbeing of all concerned.

Organise to have regular breaks, either informally with the support of family and friends, or via a local day respite centre.

And allow yourself to cry. It is the body's natural way of relieving emotional stress.