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Where to help

Caregivers: Dementia | Last Active: Sep 7 8:49pm | Replies (26)

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I am sorry you’re going through all of this, but it seems that this is one of the areas that go first with MCI. I’ve learned to accept certain things so I don’t question them anymore for example accepting a Venmo, depositing a check on his phone, using the remotes to switch from regular TV to an app. I assist him with all of that — sometimes I let him hold the remote and I just tell him which button to press so he knows he can accomplish it. I write all the checks and pay all the bills. The main area I have with him is his very short term Memory — can be Hrs, minutes or a couple of days. Otherwise he can help me cook set the table drive the car and he drives the car alone to play cards with his friends. When he go to the store for me, but I always give him a shopping list — Even when I give him a shopping list I get about two or three phone calls and even sometimes the items he brings home are not what I asked for. the other area for me is he doesn’t listen very well. I say something to him very clearly and in the next moment he asked me something about what I just said, not knowing the answer so I think he’s not paying attention. Does he get angry? sometimes yes, he does but I realize it’s not him speaking. He’s lost his patience a little bit especially driving in the car the minute we get any starts yelling at people the way they drive although he’s always been like that. It seems to be more pronounced. He is not taking any medication except for Xanax when needed for his anxiety and also Zoloft the lowest dose also for anxiety. one of the things we do at home as we play Scrabble or watch a Yankee game together or a movie together, take walks together visit the grandkids together, And cook together. These are all important things. Thank you for listening. One of the last things is that I hope you know you’re not alone. This is just the disease presenting itself. I do give him a lot of support nutrients for his brain and we eat a very clean diet and exercise a lot as these are all important. His neurologist told me not to bring up or say anything to him when he forgets because that could be stressful, and I’ve expressed this to our children as well. I hope you have a nice day.

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Replies to "I am sorry you’re going through all of this, but it seems that this is one..."

It sounds so similar to my situation. My hubby still can drive and gets groceries with a list but items are often missing from the list. He can cook meals but if it’s complicated he is anxious and the kitchen is a disaster. I help with the TV remote but as of today, he won’t let me help with his phone and passwords. I’m trying to monitor what’s important and not set him off into frustration. It’s an interesting balancing act. He’s working with a wonderful neuro psychologist and we have an appointment with a geriatric specialist later this month. Hopefully for some imaging. He’s on anti depressants which are helping a lot with the mood swings but nothing for the MCI. The comments on the forum as so helpful. Wishing you strength as well. ❤️