Dealing with a Spouse with a “Mild Cognitive Impairment”

Just starting this journey too with my husband. Lots of anxiety about the future and care needed and the cost. So glad I found this site to learn. Thank you!

He has a nuerologist for dementia and his primary is always helping him and me.

I have responded before but I am starting to see a lot more changes. We so far have only seen his GP he suggested a neurologist but we have not seen one yet. My husband knows he is getting forgetful but we have NEVER discussed dementia or MCL. I realize tonight when the TV was on that he couldn’t read some of the word correctly. Help, where do I go from here? How does one take their partner to a doctor to be evaluated when my husband seems to think he is fine. We are fine as long as I say okay and basically agree with everything he says. I am grateful he still showers his self and dresses himself and does his chores everyday. But sometime during the day I will say something wrong and things get really testy for want of a better word.
What direction should I take now? I have been trying to deal with this on my own? Thanks so much for any suggestions?

Can I ask who suggested the therapists for you? Was there a specialist type of therapist? I need this also. I can’t believe your words cou,d have been written about me. Thanks jean

If you can see a therapist for you alone, you might be able to discuss strategies. It's sad, but similar to raising a child.

I know several women who are dealing with situations like yours or worse. Neurological diseases seem to be getting more common, especially as the baby boomers age. My husband has dementia. He still drives (to familiar places), does household chores, and watches lots of TV, but he's losing words, names, and his train of thought more and more often. I'm so depressed and scared of the future. It all seems frightening and hopeless because I know it's only going to get worse, not better. So, I get what you are saying. You are not alone. My best friend is my main support. She's in London at the moment and I feel like a beached whale without her to talk to. If you don't have friends you can be totally open with, find a good therapist. You have to get your feelings out or they'll choke you. Peace.

I could have written this. My husband will not see a doctor either, but does chores, is clean although wears the same sweatshirt several days in a row--but same with TV, same with response to my saying anything critical--absolutely can't stand criticism and goes on and on rationalizing about why I am wrong.
If I am calm, I can let this lie; I see a therapist and have learned some ways to defuse if I can maintain my self control. He gets worse with anxiety; then he is unreasonable. Calmness, having things stay the same, a little love pat, saying that I love him, encouraging him to talk on the phone with his son or one friend, encouraging his little projects (rolling up aluminum foil in balls, for example)--help keep the peace and his mind. I will also say, call our-of-state son when he gets irrational--which doesn't help during business hours. He is 88 years old, by the way; I am 84. I know he knows and it scares him to death; the future is unknown and hard to prepare for various hypothetical situations. I hope you have family help; I am fortunate--caring "children" (56 and 61). I lean on them a lot. Love and courage to you...

I can relate to your situation. My soulmate/husband of 48 years (he is 70) has started showing signs of mild cognitive issues.
Family history has prepared me for this. His father had Alzheimer's. His brother passed away from Lewy body dementia 10 years ago. He was only 67. I applied to a clinical trial, and he was accepted for an initial interview. Was uncomfortable with the amount of time and lack of results. Actually, my husband felt like he was going to be a Lab Rat.
I pursued options with his PC, and he is currently going thru tests with an awesome Neurologist.
My biggest issue is trying to keep my patience under control after the 5th or 6th conversation we just had in the last hour.. about a certain conversation he brought up. I keep repeating the Serenity Prayer

I am so glad you mentioned the anxiety issue. I had to call 911 a month ago because he started having uncontrollable tremors after a phone call with his brother. Unfortunately, I asked how his brother was doing. It upset him that he didn't remember the phone call. Ended up in the ER.
I'm learning the dos and don'ts as far as conversation. Unfortunately, he had no memory of the ambulance ride or being in the ER .

Hugs.. My husband realizes his memory issues. He still drives(loves google maps) . He functions on a daily basis. It the memory that frustrates him. Never say (don't you remember)
He appreciates the fact that I am navigating the doctor and neurologist appointments.
Hopefully you can get with a good doctor