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My wife forgetting: Diagnosed with MCI
Caregivers: Dementia | Last Active: Oct 12, 2021 | Replies (65)Comment receiving replies
My husband was diagnosed with MCI 3 years ago. It is so very difficult. His memory continues to slip. I work full time in healthcare and have needed to work 3 days a week from my home office now and grateful I can. He does not remember the date, month, day of week, what he had for breakfast, or how many days he has worn the same clothes. He asks me the same questions over and over sometimes within seconds of each other. He tells me it is like a curtain slowly closing before his eyes and he can't do anything about it. He cries when I need to leave the house now sometimes and is very emotional about many things. He is always afraid something will happen to me and I won't come back to take care of him. He can still do most things independently, but the memory is just not there. It is sad. I tend to stay home more and not visit nearly as much with my grandkids and kids. They try to understand, but I feel guilty leaving him alone for a few hours, and he does not want to go out anymore. Nice to have this site to help each other stay positive through this journey. He is 10 years older than I am. Still at 71 he seems too young to have this happen. It is sad. I am sad.
Replies to "My husband was diagnosed with MCI 3 years ago. It is so very difficult. His memory..."
What a great attitude...and long-term plan. You are very smart in caring lovingly for your wife. Best wishes.
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My wife was initially diagnosed with MCI back in 2014 but the progression has not been fast except for the last month. My wife retired back in 2012 because of memory issues and I retired two years later. We joined a gym back in 2014 and it has been great for her. Our old gym closed down in early 2020 but we continued going for walks in the neighborhood (3-5 miles). I really believed the activity/exercise helped delay the progression. Lately, she has been having trouble knowing where to get a glass for some water or where the knives & forks are for dinner. I’ve started emptying the dishwasher, otherwise its a really challenge to the different utensils. So far, we have been lucky and has not needed any drugs but I think that may be changing. The neurologist has recommended Aricept and I think she may agree to start taking it. Every day we agree to enjoy the day because we don’t know what tomorrow brings. We have a challenge in front of us but I don’t think we understand what that challenge really entails. If you can retire, I would recommend it so you can enjoy each other’s company while you can.
Dan