Caregiver for spouse with MCI (Mild cognitive impairment)

I felt like I wrote this, my heart goes out to you. This is by far the hardest thing I’ve ever gone through and we’re only in the beginning of this.

Believe me..I get it! They get meaner, more needy( not their fault) . You do everything and no one bothers to check if you are ok. I have 2 people in my life who do. My BFF and my son. So many have no clue on your angst and despair. Your loneliness and your overwhelming feeling to go on a vacation just for a day. It is hard..I just ate a 1/2 pint of ice cream. Lol. My pleasure for the day! Keep writing. I will respond. I am probably older than you ..but life experiences are with me. Ask me anything or share what u feel comfortable with. I wish I could go back to my life as it used to be. Work, play and raising kid's. Vacation with my spouse. We went to so many fun places. I have learned that life can throw you a curveball. My spouse's brother is his only living sibling and he has dementia. My spouse is the youngest of six. He gets so sad about the past instead of living in the moment!!! I say live, love and cry when needed my new friend.

thanks everyone for the hugs, it’s great to not feel so alone!

Talk to me anytime. Anyone on this site can. I will be kind and will not mislead you. My heart and mind hear and see your angst. I feel for the ones who have this horrible disease and sometimes I am thankful that you share. It let's me know I really am not alone. Prayers, love and hugs to each of you!❣️❣️

I always thought this was a memory issue, didn’t realize that his personality would also be affected! Was that a big eye opener!

My husband was just diagnosed with mild cognitive impairment This is completely unhelpful as a diagnosis, what it has done to me is it has made me doubt myself and what I’m seeing

Hello all,
I have MILD COGNATIVE IMPAIRMENT, aka MCI diagnosed about 3 years ago. I was recently diagnosed by the neurologist with traits of Frontotemporal Dementia.
I was diagnosed with MCI about 3 years ago. Of course, my life has changed, sometimes for the better. There are times I can pull long term memories, and events up in a flash. Other times, I have no clue what month it is.
I live alone, and can take care of myself very well. I have taken up 2 new hobbies. I paint with acrylic, watercolor, and alcohol ink. Jigsaw puzzles 1000-500 pieces keep me company when I eat.
Usually the diagnosis changes to a specific dementia when the actions of the person become enough to “call” it.
My temperament has changed a bit, but no one including family has said anything to me.

I have another disorder FND that causes me way more problems physically and mentally. I’m in pain almost always from that so I need understanding, as we all do.

Wishing you all the best.

One more thing. Please remember that your loved one is scared too. They are aware of their problems, deficits, and the burden it is putting on you.

Believe me, they don’t like their changes either. Their future is very uncertain. They are struggling with the notion of having an incurable, fatal disease!
Not a pleasant thought for anyone.

SusanEllen66: I'm in the same situation with MCI, diagnosed a year ago. Much advice for caregivers but often I feel so alone being on the "other" side.

So sorry you are feeling that way. You are just as important. I think that sometimes lots of us do not see hardly any comments from the person living with the condition. Whether it be MCI, Parkinsons or any other condition. Please let me be one of those whom says I see you and I cannot fathom your fear and the what ifs. I don't want to be a person who dismisses feelings of anyone. Take care and 🫂 🤗