Connect
Introductions: Are you caring for someone with dementia?
My mother-in-law (MIL) had what was finally determined to be frontal temporal dementia. She had the disease from her 60s until she passed away at 86. My wife was especially involved in her mom's caregiving due to some serious denial in other family members and a GP who refused to diagnose, even when significant deficits were obvious (mistaking the UPS deliveryman for her husband and not knowing the difference between roads and sidewalks). The most unfortunate result of this, to me, was the lost time when my MIL and her family could have been having meaningful and important discussions about significant matters of importance to her and them.
In my wife's years of fighting her brain cancer, she, too, exhibited many of the aspects of mental degradation and physical losses one would affiliate with a dementia patient.
As an aside, for several years I worked for the national Alzheimer's Association raising money for their research programs nationwide.
I wish everyone struggling with this disease and their caregivers and families strength and peace.
Like
Helpful
HugInterested in more discussions like this? Go to the Caregivers: Dementia Support Group.
Connect
No, we live in New Orleans. He was diagnosed by his Neurologist at LCMC here in conjunction with panel of psychology testing from a neuropsychologist and a series of MRI and CT scans to rule out stroke.
-
Like -
Helpful -
Hug
2 ReactionsI also find supplements of Youthful Brain and Balance of Nature help him tremendously for better appetite, desire to analyze things he can’t understand. Look these supplements up as they contain many nutrients and vitamins.
-
Like -
Helpful -
Hug
1 ReactionThank you!
There are medications that can help. They are usually not prescribed until after a diagnosis as different medications work for different types of dementia. And some medications can be prescribed in some cases. My husband - who had LBD - is on a medication that has a “black box warning”. However, based on his overall condition & degree of dementia he is prescribed a moderate dose.
-
Like -
Helpful -
Hug
2 ReactionsThanks!
-
Like -
Helpful -
Hug
2 ReactionsMy journey to hell started 1 and 1/2 years ago when I think my husband was at yours’ stage and undiagnosed. He could not draw a clock with correct hands and primary care sent him to neurologist. It took 6 months to get the appointment which was most anxiety causing time for me as I recognized symptoms of a TIA. When he did finally see Dr. They immediately put him on aricept and ordered tests. Tests showed narrowing of his brain arteries which is what is causing issues, not a stroke. He was sent to a speech therapist who worked wonders and I began getting workbooks for him to do “homework” to keep his mind alert. He also does mind games on Lumosity. Com which is VERY helpful and fun. He had not realized his mental loss but now does and is fighting it with my help and encouragement. We also play “password” games and such which the therapist recommended. Hang in there! But get a diagnosis as you will need a base of comparison as things worsen. My husband also had episodes of worsening when he got tongue cancer but was undiagnosed. Now that he has successfully recovered he is improving so other medical issues could be causing some of your husband’s symptoms! Being proactive a but pushing for help is very important. I cry a lot too.
-
Like -
Helpful -
Hug
4 ReactionsFor Alzheimer's they are often started on Aricept. When the dose was increased to 10 mg, he developed a sensitivity to the medication and had to be taken off it. Now he is on Memantine and takes one 10 mg tablet twice a day. This does seem to be helping but, the disease keeps progressing. I am glad he has the medication. He was diagnosed 15 months ago.
-
Like -
Helpful -
Hug
2 ReactionsYour journey has been a tough one, I’m sure. He’s fortunate to have you ❤️.
My husband is only 53 and MRI and EEG are normal, but something is definitely going on because he repeats questions/stories, has trouble solving problems that he didn’t used to have, and forgets a lot of things. He has had to stop his work as an attorney because of it 🙁
-
Like -
Helpful -
Hug
1 ReactionI am an attorney, retired because of cardiac arrest 6 years ago from which I recovered. I will pray for you! Don’t quit getting his medical evaluated…we never suspected tongue cancer!
-
Like -
Helpful -
Hug
1 ReactionMy husband has been diagnosed with MCI. He is in denial. And angry that this is happening. He wont go to the follow-up appt with his neurologist. He's stopped all meds and I can see he needs help. How do I help him if he won't help himself? This is all new for me and I feel lost.
-
Like -
Helpful -
Hug
3 Reactions