← Return to Wife's MCI diagnosis accelerating: Feeling alone

Discussion
Comment receiving replies
@jimdianne

Hello. I asked my wife if she'd be interested in joining this group but she declined. In my opinion, she is still in a bit of denial of her aMCI. I recently booked us an Iceland cruise and while purchasing travel insurance I mentioned to her that her MCI, being a pre-existing condition, would not qualify for coverage. She first asked what was MCI. After I reminded her she went a bit defensive. I guess it is to be expected. Overall, she is doing very well and her condition is presently just around memory. Our latest encounter was, while on an Amtrak trip from Minneapolis to Chicago, she went to find coffee at the Chicago Union Station. She got lost and called me and we tracked her down. She said that scared her. I have a tracking App on both our phones and forgot she could just follow her App "dots" back to me. Bottom line... she is still very functional (except for memory). I hope we found her disease early enough that helps to prolong her (and my) stability.

Jump to this post


Replies to "Hello. I asked my wife if she'd be interested in joining this group but she declined...."

The directors of HABIT, a Mayo Clinic program for people living with MCI and their partners, write this blog on Connect:
- Mild Cognitive Impairment (MCI) https://connect.mayoclinic.org/blog/living-with-mild-cognitive-impairment-mci/

Amongst other common topics, they have written about denial. It's not uncommon:
- Is it Denial or Something Else? https://connect.mayoclinic.org/blog/living-with-mild-cognitive-impairment-mci/newsfeed-post/is-it-denial-or-something-else/

I bet it was worrisome for you too when she got lost. Eventhough you had the app, you probably knew she would be scared and confused.

My husband is not in denial of his issues, he just doesn't see it. He is not even aware he has challenges. I found out on this blog the term is, 'anosognosia' or lack of self-awareness.
So... your wife may not be in denial, she just may not be aware she has issues.

That is very similar to my wife's condition. Is beginning to recognize it, but not fully. We've been calling it MCI but (thru a blood test) is now noted as Alzheimer's present.