Husband diagnosed MCI: He is in denial and personality is changing

My sentiments exactly. Thank you for those words it helped a lot.

Hi @scottrl, the sidewalk was on our street, just a few houses down. I went to look at it after to see if the crack was elevated and I should put a request for repair into Public Works, but there is some grass growing in the crack, where his cane tip got stuck, so I'll start putting salt water and vinegar on the grass to kill it.

Lack of sleep can be debilitating. The more we consciously pursue good sleep, the more it eludes us. I try to calm my brain with 4-7-8 breathing ( gently breathe in for a count of 4, hold for count of 7, gently expel for count of 8). It's supposed to help sleep. Also, I read that just lying still in bed vs. getting up has restorative benefits. That's challenging, but I try to do it.

Take care.

Hello there. This is just such an awful position to be in. It seems I’m not a big enough person to handle my spouses recently diagnosed MCI. His 180* personality changes and abusive outbursts and circular arguments just make me want to pack my bags and run! Unfortunately I am no longer in love with my spouse, and haven’t been for many years , but I do love him and certainly feel a great deal of responsibility and sympathy for him. The only family we have is our daughter who lives 2000 miles away so I’m feeling so overwhelmed and isolated. Sorry, I just needed to share…..

@yinyin I’m so sorry that life has taken this unpleasant turn for you and that now you feel alone. But Welcome to Mayo Clinic Connect. I’m sure that you will feel the love and encouragement and support from the other members. Do you have someone to talk with? A pastor or clergy person? A counselor? Someone who will listen and help you through the bad times. Maybe there is a support group in your area. As a member has said “it’s just one hour, one day.” Just take one day at a time.
Here is a Caregivers Support Group hosted by Mayo Clinic:
https://connect.mayoclinic.org/event/caregiver-support-group-meeting-3-8192/?utm_source=connect.mayoclinic.org&utm_medium=email&utm_campaign=digest&utm_content=summary_events_event
Please feel free to ask any questions you want. We care!

Is this support group just for caregivers of Alzheimers patients or for any kind of caregiver? I'm having a hard time finding in-person or online Alzheimers support groups in my area (Tucson). I've contacted the Alzheimers Assn., and they're not aware of any in the whole metro area!

Hi @ret2tus, I googled Dementia support Tuscon and a number of resources popped up. Maybe you can find something suitable.

Here are a few:
https://www.tmcaz.com/wellness-and-prevention/tmc-for-seniors/support-services-and-groups
https://www.seniorhelpers.com/az/tucson-southeast/services/alzheimers-dementia-care/
https://www.lbda.org/lbda_support_group/lewy-body-caregiver-support-group-tucson/

I hate to say this but the Alzheimer’s Assn was no help. They gave me an online support group in New Jersey. There are several support groups in my area. I live in Cincinnati. I’m sure there are resources in your area, but you have to ask around. The Alzheimer’s Assn is focusing on drugs but not positive approaches and prevention. I think they have been more helpful in the past.
Teepa Snow and her consultants and groups are very helpful. Teepasnow.com I think is the website. I hope you find something.

@tsc Teri, thank you for finding those resources! Should be veery helpful! Becky

Hi @becsbuddy, it just seemed odd that a large city would have no available resources - so Iwas curious.

I too, see personality changes in my spouse. Sometimes he really snaps at me and has no patience, especially driving. When he forgets things and this is quite often in tge short term memory, I used to react negatively to it. Now I just say, “oh, it’s one of those things.” I say it EVERY YIME, under my breath. I thought my marriage was done until he got the diagnosis, and now I have a much clearer understanding. But it’s still hard to deal with, it is lonely and I get depressed about it too.