Dealing with a Spouse with a “Mild Cognitive Impairment”

@dederickve You are now in charge, not him. You must take care of yourself so that you can be there for him. You can do this.

His behavior is going backward in time and is similar to that of a toddler. The toddler doesn't want a babysitter, but prefers to cling to mom and make her life miserable all day everyday. No one can do 24/7 care. For your health, you need a break.

@joannahoward I totally understand. For a while there I was making an apple pie twice a week. Must be something his mother made. My husband would rather have a grilled cheese sandwich, Mac n cheese, (homemade) or a hamburger for dinner. He does cook his own hamburger. My husband put ketchup on chicken and rice casserole. I am trying not to get irritated, but the weather is keeping me home bound that goal is hard to achieve.
This disease is horrible because one moment he seems fine and the next he is all out of whack.

@upgirl2013

This is a horrible disease. I am currently shut away in our closet trying not to hear his phone conversation with a friend.
We were in a car accident recently and he is calling all his friends to tell them about it, but he has to start with why we were in the car- where we were going, why, etc. It takes a few minutes to get to the point.

After the wreck I was very shaken and upset. I asked him for a hug- which we rarely do anymore - and he said he did not feel like hugging anybody.

It is so sad and I feel so lonely. Bereft is a good word. My friends help with texts of support but they cannot give me what i really yearn for and need. My husband’s arms around me.

I am trying to stay busy so I cannot think- just buckle up and keep moving- and praying. Jesus is going to hear from me a lot today.

To my friends in this group and in the same boat- I wish you a blessed new year. May 2026 be brighter for you - in whatever way possible.

Do tastes change? My husband has always loved salt, and salts his food before even tasting it. All of a sudden, he is starting to complain that foods are too salty.

@upgirl2013

This is a horrible disease. I am currently shut away in our closet trying not to hear his phone conversation with a friend.
We were in a car accident recently and he is calling all his friends to tell them about it, but he has to start with why we were in the car- where we were going, why, etc. It takes a few minutes to get to the point.

After the wreck I was very shaken and upset. I asked him for a hug- which we rarely do anymore - and he said he did not feel like hugging anybody.

It is so sad and I feel so lonely. Bereft is a good word. My friends help with texts of support but they cannot give me what i really yearn for and need. My husband’s arms around me.

I am trying to stay busy so I cannot think- just buckle up and keep moving- and praying. Jesus is going to hear from me a lot today.

To my friends in this group and in the same boat- I wish you a blessed new year. May 2026 be brighter for you - in whatever way possible.

Do tastes change? My husband has always loved salt, and salts his food before even tasting it. All of a sudden, he is starting to complain that foods are too salty.

@minniem I am so sorry that you have that horrible lonely feeling. I hate those moments. “It’s by hard the hardest thing I have ever felt: To be so in love with you, yet so alone” Mary Travers

Do tastes change? My husband has always loved salt, and salts his food before even tasting it. All of a sudden, he is starting to complain that foods are too salty.

@blc1951
Yes, I just took a dementia class and they mentioned that the senses are affected. One of the last senses to remain intact is the taste of sugar. My husband has developed quite the sweet tooth since his diagnosis, and he wasn't that into sweets before. Now I have to limit or hide the sweets in the house.