Minds Matter – November 2026

Imagine this: One day, one of you is diagnosed with dementia.

At first, the diagnosis may feel overwhelming. Panic sets in. What will we do? How will we manage? Where can we find help? Will we still be able to do the things we enjoy together? And how do we tell our children?

It is completely natural to feel frightened and uncertain. But a diagnosis of dementia does not mean that life suddenly stops. It means that life may need to change—and with the right information, planning, support and attitude, you can continue to find purpose, connection, laughter and joy together.

The diagnosis is not the end of your story. It is the beginning of a different chapter.

The first instinct is often to focus entirely on the diagnosis and the challenges ahead. Those challenges are real, but so are the opportunities to prepare. Taking things one step at a time, making healthy lifestyle changes, learning about dementia, and reaching out for support can make an enormous difference.

Here in the Lake Chapala community, you are not alone. There are caring organizations, professionals and support groups where families can find understanding, practical guidance and, perhaps most importantly, people who truly understand what this journey can be like.

But there is another important part of preparation that is sometimes overlooked.

Get your affairs in order—before you need to.

Perhaps one of you has always handled the finances, managed the banking, paid the utilities and kept track of passwords and important documents. Perhaps one person has always taken care of property matters, insurance or investments.

Now is the time to make sure that both of you know where everything is and how everything works.

Create a “What You Need to Know” binder—or a secure digital file—and keep all essential information together. Include bank and investment information, insurance policies, property documents, utility accounts, important contacts, passwords and other information your spouse or family may need.

Then take the next important steps.

Meet with your notary and discuss a power of attorney so that the appropriate person can legally assist with financial and practical matters if that becomes necessary. If you own property in Mexico, make sure you have an up-to-date will. Discuss your wishes for medical care and consider preparing an Advance Medical Directive.

These are not easy conversations, and they are acts of love.

Good planning can prevent unnecessary stress, confusion and difficult decisions later. And it gives everyone involved greater peace of mind today.

One of the best resources available to our community is my dear friend Loretta Downs, whose classes at the Lake Chapala Society help people understand what needs to be done, which documents are important and how to prepare for the future.

Loretta will continue this conversation in the second part of this article, offering practical guidance to help you take those important steps.

Talking About Death Won’t Kill You

Talking openly about dying and death can help us prepare for the future while living more fully in the present. Planning ahead is also an act of consideration for family, friends, and caregivers who may otherwise be left making difficult decisions on our behalf.

A good place to start is with a legal Advance Medical Directive, prepared while you are healthy. It can specify treatments you do or do not want if you become unable to speak for yourself and name a healthcare proxy or medical power of attorney. If your proxy lives north of the border, consider also naming someone local who can be present at the hospital. In Mexico, a notario público can advise on formalizing the document.

A Living Will can address such decisions as CPR, intubation, surgery, dialysis, feeding tubes, invasive tests, and palliative care. Burial or cremation wishes and other practical matters should also be documented and shared with those who may need them.

The Lake Chapala End-of-Life Care Community website offers planning resources and forms. Shelly Stokes periodically offers a Zoom class, and my LCS advance-care-planning classes will be held November 6 and 13. Registration is available through LCS.

For more information or support, contact:

Lakeside DayBreak Dementia Support at lakesidedaybreak@gmail.com

Or Loretta Downs at endoflifeinspirations.com.