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Are these signs of Dementia or Alzheimers disease?
Are these signs of Dementia or Alzheimers disease?
Can you completely lose your short-term memory, but remember things that happened 40-60 years ago with accuracy if you have beginning stages of Dementia or Alzheimers?
Secondly, if you were asked to go to the mailbox (1 block away) and pick up the mail via car, yet 20 minutes later, when contacted by phone, say you are trying to figure out how to get home from a location 10 miles away because you thought you were supposed to go to the P.O. for the mail. When asked if you know how to get home, the answer is yes. You are reminded to pick up the mail at the mailbox and you do that all within 15 minutes or so. Could this just be a miscommunication or does this appear to be related to Dementia or Alzheimers?
These are 2 instances that I have had within the past 3 days with my husband. He was diagnosed with Parkinsonism in 2019, although, it wasn't definite. He does not have Parkinson's, which he was treated for 11 years beginning in 2008, but there were no changes in 11 years. He has slight tremors, is soft talking and shuffles occasionally when walking unless you bring it to his attention. I am aware that Dementia/Alzheimers occurs in Parkinson patients, however, he has several other medical issues, one being major issues with his heart. The only artery he has open in his body is his main artery. All other arteries are closed due to disease. He was a smoker for 70+ years beginning at age 9 when he lived on a farm. Surgery on his heart is very risky, so the surgeon has refused to do it unless it is an emergency. I am trying to cover all bases, however, I have been unable to locate any info on whether these 2 instances could be tied to Dementia or his heart issue. I would appreciate hearing if anyone else has had these kind of issues and if it has been related to Dementia or Alzheimers. Thank you.
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Same with my husband but he had a broader separate driving test including a simulator. He is not and was not happy when they told him he couldn't drive.
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2 ReactionsMy husband was a weekend (Binge) drinker, which is the worst kind of drinker, because they drink more to make up for not drinking all week. But he never smoked, however, his former wife died from lung Cancer. I’ve read second-hand smoke can be worse than being a smoker yourself. They were married 10 years and they drank every night, splitting a gallon of wine - every night.
In our 10th year of marriage, his anger and behavior towards me got so bad that I left him. We were in Florida on vacation and I returned to Illinois. I told him we’re done unless he stopped drinking. The day I left, he went to his first AA meeting and stopped drinking. He has not had a drink for 15 years and his behavior and anger are manageable and he now is a loving husband.
Your husband sounds like my Will with his anger and behavior towards you. I’m not saying your husband is an alcoholic, but his behavior sounds like one. Have you heard of Al-Anon?I belong to a group and I still learn and give advice when I can because I have gone to meetings for over 40 years, starting when I was married to an alcoholic.
Please do yourself a favor: read what you can about alcoholism and if you can, try going to a meeting near you. They will welcome you with open arms and give you answers to help you - not your husband - only you.
I know your plate is full, and I pray you will reach out and help yourself. No one needs to be constantly abused like you are, not anyone, sick or not.
Prayers for you.
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3 ReactionsMy husband gets a Botox shot every 6 months to help control the flow and he says it works. Have you heard of this? If not, you can recommend it to his doctor.
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1 ReactionHe had his first appointment today. Lasted 90 minutes and he put on a good show. Did have problems with quite a few of the tests so memory problem, which he admitted to, was evident. He also admitted he was quick to anger (of course it was warranted according to him). They had him take an EKG. The only thing I'm sure of looking at the results is that his heart beat is slow (58 BPM). They show his numbers but not what are normal ranges. He also had very low BP - 92/58.
Wednesday he gets a blood and urine tests plus checking his urine flow, etc. Friday is a visit with the Pysc doctor (what is causing the anger). Two other appointments to be set up after the 4th - re his CKD and urine problem.
Doctor also told him he couldn't drive (Bill swears up and down that he was told he could drive - didn't happen). But he has agreed to sell the car (today's agreement). And he swears I told him that I had found a wonderful apartment for us, completely furnished. No idea how he came up with that. He caused a scene at an ice cream place on the way home.
One of the tests was naming the person in the picture shown - he missed most of them but could give details (some correct and some not). Barbara Bush was the Mother of two Presidents. He did know the Reagan's. Remembered Bill's first name - couldn't remember Hillary other than she was a Vice President. Knew who Trump was but couldn't come up with his name. Remembered Marylin Monroe had an affair with a President but couldn't remember her name - joked she was his first wife.
He aced the math questions and drawing, including the clock. Failed reciting 4 words. No knee reflex action, which he hasn't had for a few years.
The testing was really interesting. Very long testing day to happen the end of August.
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3 ReactionsMy husband had a pacemaker installed because his heart was slow. He had shortness of breath and is feeling a little better now.
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2 ReactionsGood morning @billchitwood Sounds like your journey is starting in earnest— as follow up appointments are already in the works. It also sounds like you may be going to get some answers along the way.
Congrats on each victory!
Strength, Courage, and Peace
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3 ReactionsSo did mine. He has bradycardia which caused a low heart rate. He is actually on his second pacemaker.
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2 ReactionsMy husband has constant Afib and that’s why he had a pacemaker. His Dad had one for a long time. Thankful there is something to help!
Hi @luv2spin, I thought I would check in. How are you and your husband doing?
Hi Colleen - Thanks for checking. My husband is hanging in there, however, he seems to be losing his energy. I am taking him to the drs. tomorrow to see what she thinks about the issues he is having. I am going to ask her about getting him on oxygen to see if that helps him since he only has the main artery open. Since he was a smoker for 70+ yrs., I would think it might help? It may not be possible, however, it doesn't hurt to ask. I will know more hopefully tomorrow afternoon after we see the dr. And he has an appt. with his cardiologist at the end of July, so maybe there is something else he can suggest? Hope you have had a Happy 4th of July. Thanks again for checking with me. FYI - I am doing OK right now.
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