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Say something? Say nothing? looking for advice.
Caregivers: Dementia | Last Active: Aug 11 12:07pm | Replies (37)Comment receiving replies
Before my husband was diagnosed with Alzheimers last fall, I also had thought that long-term memory remained much longer than short-term. That was the way it was with his mother, who also had the disease. I have been surprised that my husband's long-term memory isn't good anymore either. We went to the same high school and have many shared experiences from throughout our 54 years together. It is sad that besides his forgetting what just was said or happened, we can't reminisce either.
Replies to "Before my husband was diagnosed with Alzheimers last fall, I also had thought that long-term memory..."
My husband and I have been together for 60 years. I would think that I would count as someone from his past, but no. The long-term spouse seems to be the one cut from the memory bank. I am just a caretaker now; he is confused as to who I am and why I would behere.He even questions why I am in all his photos from the past. It is one of the cruelest aspects of having a loved one with ALZ.
I would be very curious if your husband could remember high school experiences with a buddy but not with you. There does seem to be a barrier between spouses. Give it a try. You may have to reminisce vicariously by hearing your husband and a mutual friend talk about old times together. We have been together for 60 years. Why don't I count as a part of his past in that long term memory bank?
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My wife of 60 years is also losing her longer term memory. She is unclear about where we were married, whether or not any of her family is still alive, and doesn't know who the parents of our grandchildren are. I used to talk with her a lot about her childhood, but now she asks me questions about it. Paranoia is still strong as well, she is fearful about things that are really of no concern in our tiny, rural village..