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← Return to Earliest signs of decline?
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Caregivers: Dementia | Last Active: 1 hour ago | Replies (10)
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Hi:
My husband's diagnosis came a few years after we retired, but when we retired I started noticing that things started to be more and more about him, and his ego became front and center. I thought this was just his new retirement personality, then others started to notice that he wanted all of our attention and pushed till he got it.
I later read in a dementia book that the egotistical behavior is because they are so focused on keeping it together and maintaining that semblance of 'normal'. Now I know why it's all about him.
Replies to "Hi: My husband's diagnosis came a few years after we retired, but when we retired I..."
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@judimahoney
Hello Judi,
Thank you for sharing this. I also noticed and continue to observe very “self-involved” behaviors. I do understand that it comes from a place of needing to control “what’s left”. Of course it must be very frightening to feel so lost, so focusing on what they can (themselves) probably is a way of self-soothing. I do have a lot of compassion, but I just wish she had let us know early on. A family friend told me she knew about a diagnosis years ago.
It might’ve helped us navigate this better. Or maybe not.
Gotta take the small wins. For example, I found a dry shampoo that works wonders on her hair (she’s bathing resistant).
Sending you lots of supportive energy and hugs. 🤗