Heart issues and breathing problems and dealing with dementia

I have wondered if drugs or alcohol could cause Dementia and I just read an article written by a doctor who confirmed this.
Yeas ago, after my husband died of alcoholism, I read that alcohol killed brain cells. Now just recently, there has been a different opinion, but still not good. Alcohol can actually change brain cells but the change cannot be reversed. Now that’s scary!

I have an advisor from “A Place for Mom” who is sending me info for Independent Living in Illinois, where we will be in a few months. I have also a referral from our lawyer for a lawyer who will help us to eventually get on Medicaid. There may be a fee but sometimes I think it would be worth it instead of dealing with all the hassle.
I have found information on the Internet about caregiving, Dementia, financial problems, Independent Living,, Assisted Living, Memory Care, Home Care, and printed out a lot of information I need, which had become a large file in a matter of days.
I need information from you if your loved one with Dementia is beginning to talk his own language and have to ask him constantly what he is saying. Sometimes it sounds like baby-talk and other times, no one can understand what he is saying but him? Also, yesterday afternoon he started laughing real hard at some things, which is not like him at all. He will say some silly things but not laugh out loud like he did the other day. I wish I knew what caused him to be so happy so I can be happy with him!

Recent we were told Bill has serious dementia (and anger). One day is good than a bad day - never sure what triggers it. Yesterday he woke up happy as it was 'Thanksgiving' and I would be roasting the turkey and people coming to visit. Actually 4th of July weekend and no visitors. We laughed about it later and then before bedtime he mentioned he had really enjoyed Thanksgiving (I didn't feel like he was joking). I just agreed it was a really nice Thanksgiving. Hopefully he doesn't want turkey leftovers today!

Bill did have a severe drinking problem before I met him (37 years ago). Once we got together he gave up smoking (a 3 pack a day) and cut his drinking down to 1 to 2 drinks a night and now nothing. I think the heavy drinking did a lot of damage.

Sadly, I have to agree with you about damage done to him because of drinking. Alcoholism is a disease that continues in the body and the mind. It will go to the weakest place in the body and make it worse. Thus my husband’s heart failure. In the mind, it changes cells permanently and is not reversible. If they stop drinking, the disease continues and if they start drinking again, they will start again where they left off. I have seen this in both my former husband and my present husband. What is so sad is that the potential for them to become a healthy happy person is gone forever. And you and I know that, but they don’t. We see the person they could have become, and they will never be. My husband stopped drinking, and went to several AA meetings. His thinking and his anger are better, but he still has more to work on. However, he doesn’t realize this, and is finished with AA.

Bill also has Stage 3 CKD and Chronic venous insufficiency. His legs look like a patchwork quilt because of bleeding under the skin. His arms are starting to do it as well. The doctor referred to him having 'serious dementia' rather than severe. Not sure of the difference. They are trying to get his anger under control.

I think I would ask his doctor what the difference is between serious and severe Dementia. I would like to know as well.
Julie, I will pray about Bill’s anger. Have you figured out what his triggers are? It can’t always be your fault, but he takes it out on you. Try to get away from him when he starts (or before if you can) and don’t say a word - just leave. Turn on loud music so you can’t hear him (or use ear plugs). Go to the bathroom and lock the door (or have one installed) and make sure you have a good book to read. And relax and tell yourself you will not be yelled at any more - for any reason. You will not be his doormat! You need some peace in your life and relief from his rantings. Please!!

He thinks by threatening to get a place of his own (which he couldn't) that I will go with him and he will have me to himself. I've assured him that isn't going to happen. Do walk away now and it helps. Also told him that neither I nor Robin deserve to be treated that way and I won't stand for it. That has helped some. And if I take off my cochlear implant and hearing aid I can't hear him!!! Never thought being mostly deaf could actually be a blessing lol.

I was told to look up high impact games on the internet. Would they be of help for my husband’s early dementia condition? Also Previgen(sp?) was advised. What is your reaction to these suggestions?

My husband Will has Dementia and heart failure. He has Dyslexia and has reading problems and this was not noticed or taken care of when he was growing up.
He excels at card games, Chess, puzzles and Solitaire games of all kinds. He is a tough competitor and doesn’t like to lose but he does so gracefully.
He retired from AT&T installing phone systems and can still get electricity to wherever we need it.
I am really in awe of these precious gifts he has been given and he just turned 79.

So you have a built-in noise stopper!! How very convenient for you! Even so, you can still walk away when he starts with his anger routine. Then maybe he will know you won’t stay with him when he gets angry. Many times, actions speak louder than words. Does he know you can’t hear him or maybe he doesn’t remember your having problems with your hearing! Anyway, you are handling his anger very well
and I am so proud of you for standing up for yourself!