Is yelling and over-talking a part of dementia?

I think that's a great idea, Larry H, about starting a communication challenges group. I am learning myself through trial and error. You have articulated your position beautifully and I thank you for sharing your perspective. I realize that I can't stay stuck in my old ways and I have to relate in a new way to the different person my husband is now. Loss of abilities in one's self or a loved one is hard to face, but we must and try to do our best. All the best to you. TSC

My sentiments exactly! I am trying to be as patient as I used to be in my classroom; however, I find as my husband's disease progresses and my stamina disappears, it is more and more difficult to "sit back and quiet." Yes, Larry, your experiences, insights, and knowledge is invaluable to many of us. My husband is unable to articulate his thoughts as much as he used to be able to do... and he has two doctoral degrees in English! He was a strong communicator throughout his life as a professor, coach, and superintendent of schools. He struggles to put words together now.

Wow...I feel as if we should be best friends. As a wife of a wonderful man who was always the funniest guy in the room and now to see the opposite is emotionally and physically draining. I find myself just wanting to do so much and have the life we had planned, and now having to adjust to a life we don't want is quite depressing at times. Yet, just to be able to hold his hand, to be beside him to protect and encourage is a great gift as well. I have learned that my role is different now, and I am his best friend, biggest supporter, and constant protector. It is not an easy role, but I know that it is the path of life we will walk together. I do miss our old discussions and hashing out problems together to find solutions. I miss conversations and being predictable. I miss having energy just to put away dishes and wipe off counters....but there will be a day for all of those things....as of now, I will look forward to still being best friends as long as possible....and pray for energy to meet both of our needs.
I do feel your pain....Advanced Literature and Grammar and Written Composition is my love and was my career. I cannot imagine the loss your husband must feel and you have to stand by and watch all of this unfold. Yet, you are the one that has a front row seat to this sad disease, you have many new roles to fill and I pray for peace, energy, patience, and stamina for you. Keep writing on here. Your experiences, while they are hard and sad,are a comfort to me and to others to know that someone understands. You are not alone in this journey. Take care....

I have started the discussion on Communication Challengess with Lewy.
https://connect.mayoclinic.org/discussion/communicating-challenges-with-lewy/
Come on by!!!

Peace
Larry H

Must be so frustrating for him. My husband, too, is struggling with remembering names of common everyday things. I have to put all the heartbreak that comes with this disease behind me and just be there for him now. I had to learn to not focus on what we've lost, but live with what we have now and make our home his safe place.

@tsc. I really like your statement and approach to life: ‘learn to not focus on what we’ve lost, but live with what we have now and make our home a safe place.” Have you found some new projects or pastimes that you both enjoy?

@tamarab How have things been going for you? I imagine it IS hard to remain quiet when words are spoken in anger.

https://connect.mayoclinic.org/comment/619985/ Have you seen this new discussion by @larryh123 ?

That's a tough one, @becsbuddy. I used to be able to get him to play Scrabble with me, but he won't anymore. He's given up the piano. He hardly watches tv. He is interested in the walk I take every morning and asks me questions when I come home - where did I go, who did I see, were there any changes on the street, etc. Also, when I'm on the computer, he comes in the room, sits down and wants to talk - so he's trying to engage me more, it seems. I've always been a cook and he wants his three meals a day, on time. Now since I have a shoulder injury, I ask him to help me more - with lifting heavy things, mixing ingredients, etc. He likes to do it and I think it's good to keep him engaged. His neurologist put him on a low dose antidepressant and he's less tired and anxious on it. He can't drive anymore, but he can gas up the car for me (bad shoulder, a good excuse). His mood is pretty good, he's pleasant and nice to be around and I learned that when he's digs down on something, just to let it go. He sleeps the night through, a good nine hours at least. This morning he asked me to drive all around town to find the cereal he likes and I said no. Reminded him of all my ailments and that I need to do what's easier for me too - so he apologized and said he'd eat oatmeal.

That shoulder surgery is quote painful. I have wondered how we would function if I have to have any type of medical procedure....but you sound like superwoman with a compassionate brain! Great idea getting him to help you. My sweet hubby stands around a lot now but he used to instinctively know what to do without prompting. I guess I had not thought of specifically asking him to help with things I know he can do. Thanks for sharing!

I often draw parallels between approaches with children with caring for someone with dementia and understand your effort to "be as patient as I used to be in my classroom." The difference, as we all know, is that with children we can look forward to progression, but dementia forces us to face and accept regression. I acknowledge this reality only to offer permission for people to cut themselves some slack when patience might be in short supply. We're human, not perfect, but human.