My husband was diagnosed with MCI two years ago and he was reluctant to let anyone know as well. It didn’t help that his older family doctor told him not to pursue brain scans because once he got a diagnosis , he wouldn’t be able to travel? We found a wonderful psychologist who has her phd in neuro psychology and she’s guided us. I found out last month that the changes in his brain are vascular. He’s 73 and the specialist says he has the brain of an 80 year old. I’m 68. Also, his executive functioning is impaired which means his filter doesn’t work as well and I’m never sure what’s going to come out of his mouth.

I share this because even though it’s still MCI and he’s still functioning, the behaviour changes are becoming very noticeable. I privately started sharing with close friends and family because I needed the support. Our closest friends have been wonderful with him and I have a network now I can lean on or have a good cry with if I need it.

I’m trying to consider his needs through all of this but it’s a difficult journey. Last week he got frustrated when I was trying to help with his computer and he bit my elbow. Not hard but it was a first. It had my emotions spinning.

I think that trying to hide the diagnosis will be difficult for you as symptoms change. I don’t envy your decision but remember that you need support as well. Big hugs.