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Alzheimer's with Hallucinations

Posted by katrina123 @katrina123, Apr 2, 2023

What has been your experience with a loved one who has Alzheimer's with hallucinations?
I have been married for 55 years and for several years my husband has had memory problems. However, six weeks ago he started getting confused about who I was. He has now been diagnosed with Alzheimer's.
Examples:
- I was talking about our son and he asked me who he was.
- He said to me "Whoever you are I am glad that you said "I will take
care of you forever. "
- He asked me if I still can draw and I said that I have never been able
to draw. Then he said he thought that I was his cousin. She was a
very talented artist.
- Often he thinks other people are in the house.
- He is sad that he can't drive anymore and he thinks it is my fault.
I can be with him and I think everything is normal and then I realize that he doesn't even know who I am. It is difficult to put into words how heartbreaking and horrifying this is. I am losing my husband in the most awful manner.
I have cried more in a month than I have in 50 years.
Katrina

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kjc48 | @kjc48 | 1 day ago
In reply to @jprust "Katrina, I am a retired speech-language pathologist that worked with people with dementia. I empathize with..." + (show)
Profile picture for jprust @jprust

Katrina, I am a retired speech-language pathologist that worked with people with dementia. I empathize with you going through this heartbreak.
You said the hardest thing was not knowing if he knew who you were. The important thing is that he feels you are someone that he feels safe with. It would help both of you if you just tell him before every interaction who you are and what you are there for and what you are doing next.
An example:”Hi John, I am your wife Katrina. We are partners. I am here to help you ——It is time to ——.
One thing that many family members have told me is that they have a schedule that is the same routine everyday. It helps the person to feel secure. And then the caregiver can remind them, “next we go for a walk, then after that we stop for coffee.”
Please don’t ask him to tell you who you are or who is visiting. Just state it as a matter of fact. Actually asking a lot of questions is stressful and not helpful.
I hope my suggestions will relieve some of your anxiety.

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@jprust Thank you for these suggestions. So helpful in knowing how to communicate with our loved ones during the various stages. Best, Karla

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