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DiscussionHusband with early Alzheimers: Question about medications
Caregivers: Dementia | Last Active: Feb 7, 2018 | Replies (56)Comment receiving replies
Replies to "Your message struck a cord with me. My husband is 74 and was diagnosed with MCI..."
Hello @suzie2017 Nice to e-meet you here. I am Scott and my MIL had dementia for over 20 years. Early on during her illness she too became increasingly uncomfortable communicating in the company of anyone outside the immediate family.
In her case her doctors said it was a defense mechanism as she declined. She became increasingly uncomfortable in any setting that was not her normal setting of routine and people so she would not communicate in those situations where and when others were around. It was a way for her to avoid making 'mistakes', which embarrassed her and importantly didn't require the use of loads of her energy which was required from her to function in any non-normal situations.
Dementia is so unique in each person I only bring this up as an example.
Peace & Strength
Thank you Indiana Scott. You explained my husband's situation perfectly. It gives me some form of comfort to know that others are similar to my husband.
My husband clams up around other people. He says that he has a hard time following the conversation so it is easier for him to remain quiet. At home he opens up more but at times he slurs his words or uses an odd word or can't think of the right word he is looking for. This is very hard for both of us because he was an English teacher and always used perfect grammar. I am wondering if being on Namenda since 01/2016 has dulled him and helped to reduce his energy. He has other health problems such as severe COPD with current infections, heart disease and is mildly diabetic. He takes 16 prescription drugs so it is hard for anyone to tell if his balance or loss of energy is coming from the drugs or alzheimers. He also hides his aches and pains from me such as chest pains when we are out for a short walk.