How can I deal with undiagnosed, unrecognized, likely dementia?

Posted by sunnygardens @sunnygardens, Jun 5 10:10am

Living as roommates with a very good friend who demonstrates behaviors not normal in aging. These have been confirmed by my own counselors when described to them by me. My friend recognizes nothing of these changes. So far none are severe enough to warrant a confrontation. Diplomatic remarks about my concern for him (without being specific), and mentioning specific memory lapses have been ignored. Neither of us have any family support. He is estranged from both his sons. While I do see counselors for help managing my lifelong Clinical Depression ( aka Major Depressive Disorder), which is successful, and they have suggested bringing in a social Worker who could help my friend, there’s no way I can suggest it to him as he sees nothing wrong.
I feel like I’m on tenterhooks, waiting for further symptoms to develop, while dreading the same.
After retiring from being a Home Support Aide because I no longer wanted to do this job, I do NOT want to be a caregiver for my friends. Yet how can I abandon him? I’m finding it very difficult to go along “one day at a time”, not knowing where I’m going. And it becomes more stressful as I become responsible for more daily aspects of life that he forgets or can’t reason through.
I’m an information/knowledge person. It feels like, in spite of all the information and knowledge I have, I’m in limbo. I hate limbo.
Any suggestions from anyone who’s recognized early onset dementia or MCI without a diagnosis would be appreciated.
PS. This is my first time on this forum.

Interested in more discussions like this? Go to the Caregivers: Dementia Support Group.

Profile picture for sunnygardens @sunnygardens

@memoriestomoments thanks for this clear advice. I’ll certainly stay in this forum for the foreseeable future!
I’ve tried a few different ways, with many months in between, to suggest consulting an expert. My friend is absolutely refusing to acknowledge ANYTHING. If I remind him too often about what he just said or recently did, he becomes irritated.

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@sunnygardens
Me again.

I just read about a relatively new "profession" that may be helpful. Aging Life Care Professionals. Your friend needs a plan for the future and that future cannot be you taking care of everything starting now, through his denial period, and on through the undeniable period.

You might end up needing to force the issue by making plans for your physical separation and then use someone like these folks to help him move forward.
https://www.aginglifecare.org/

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Profile picture for memoriestomoments @memoriestomoments

@sunnygardens
Me again.

I just read about a relatively new "profession" that may be helpful. Aging Life Care Professionals. Your friend needs a plan for the future and that future cannot be you taking care of everything starting now, through his denial period, and on through the undeniable period.

You might end up needing to force the issue by making plans for your physical separation and then use someone like these folks to help him move forward.
https://www.aginglifecare.org/

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@memoriestomoments , your opening greeting caused Ray Steven’s to pop into my head singing “The Streak”. If you don’t know it, google it for a giggle. 😁

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Profile picture for sunnygardens @sunnygardens

@memoriestomoments , your opening greeting caused Ray Steven’s to pop into my head singing “The Streak”. If you don’t know it, google it for a giggle. 😁

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@sunnygardens Funny, I remember that song from when I was a kid. Actually had a streaker at my high school graduation, even though it was in the 80's. Thanks for sharing, we all need a touch of joy wherever it comes from. 🙂

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