@jatonlouise, you are so articulate and describe your experiences so well. Do you know there are drugs now that can help people if cognitive decline is found in the early stages?
I just searched and found this:
Recent advancements in Alzheimer's treatment include drugs like lecanemab and donanemab, which have been approved to slow the progression of early Alzheimer's disease by targeting amyloid plaques in the brain. These treatments can potentially delay the onset of symptoms if administered in the early stages of the disease.
Alzheimer's Association ScienceDaily
You can probably find more out at the Alzheimer's Association website. I'm not sure if those drugs are effective for other forms of dementia. Have you been diagnosed yet?
My husband is beyond reminding himself with lists. I do write him notes to tell him where I am. He keeps them in his pocket and remembers he has them vs. looking at the whiteboard on the refrigerator where we also write things down. The rest of the time I give him verbal cues for what he needs to do: get dressed, work on a puzzle, brush your teeth, take your pills, etc. He just started washing the dishes without prompting!
He was in Adult Care for six weeks, but got discharged because he wasn't manageable. He tried to escape often, wouldn't' participate in any games or activities, was rude and aggressive to staff and participants, and constantly demanded food. I think it was too much like kindergarten for him. There were two days where he stayed for the amount of time he was supposed to, the rest of the time I got those dreaded phone calls to pick him up early because he was done with it.
I had a friend in graduate school who lived with a man who drank. One night he urinated in their closet! Reminded me of the story you told about your Aunt VertaLee. Moral of the story? Don't drink too much if you wear nice shoes or only wear old shoes to a party where you intend to over imbibe.
Thank you for telling us your great stories and how life is for you, @jatonlouise. Best wishes for the New Year!