MCI to Dementia: What can I expect in the future?

Colleen, thanks for your reply. I think my husband has had dementia for several years. We just ‘now got the diagnosis after a PET scan on his brain. I haven’t reached out to anyone except our children and they have very demanding jobs, not much time off, and really aren’t able to help much. They are willing, just don’t have the time. I was wondering if there is services that we don’t know about. I am 75 and have tarvid dyskinesia and can’t even take care of myself either. Do you know of any assistance? Appreciate your reply. Thanks again, Jennifer

Colleen, thanks for your reply. I think my husband has had dementia for several years. We just ‘now got the diagnosis after a PET scan on his brain. I haven’t reached out to anyone except our children and they have very demanding jobs, not much time off, and really aren’t able to help much. They are willing, just don’t have the time. I was wondering if there is services that we don’t know about. I am 75 and have tarvid dyskinesia and can’t even take care of myself either. Do you know of any assistance? Appreciate your reply. Thanks again, Jennifer

Jennifer, the best place to start is the Alzheimer's Association. They have so much information from learning about dementia to support for the caregiver.

See their website here: https://www.alz.org/

There is a lot of information, so let me point out a couple of places:
Helpline: https://www.alz.org/help-support/resources/helpline
Find local resources: https://www.alz.org/help-support/resources/helpline

I have decided to find a social worker from a nearby hospital and one who works close to me. So left messages to make an appointment, which I guess depends on how affordable they are. This is a big step for Will and I but one we need to make, because of the confusion choosing benefits and which one to pursue. In other words, I need help!

Hi Janet. You are on the right track. Finding a Licensed Clinical Social worker experienced in memory loss is essential. Your local hospitals may have recommendations, even you PCP as well as you State LCSW board, I believe Alz site or phone # may even be able to find the specialist you need close to home. 1-800-272-3900.

Don't give up. It is worth the work HE is watching and helping all the time. EllisA

Thank you Ellis for your support and great advice, especially about finding “a
Licensed Clinical Social Worker” experienced in Memory Loss! Who is my PCP, my doctor? And what is the LCSW Board? I will also call Alz to find a specialist close to home.
All of your concern and advice is giving me a chance to take a breath and gives me hope that there are resources that can help me. I am overwhelmed by all of your help and love. You are my Guardian Angel!!

Your state will have a registry of professional liscened medical providors,psychologists and liscened clinical social workers. In montana it is available on montana.gov. i hope you can find that where you are. I can help, just say what state you live in and i will gladly get you some info. My 45 years as a human resourse still helps me a lot. GOD BLESS

Hi @desbabydoll, you've been through many cognitive changes with your husband from traumatic brain injuries to mild cognitive impairment and now what appears to be declining into early onset dementia. You see him every day. It must be hard when family don't see what you do.

Let me ask you about you. How are you doing? Do you have support among friends or professional support?

I have decided to find a social worker from a nearby hospital and one who works close to me. So left messages to make an appointment, which I guess depends on how affordable they are. This is a big step for Will and I but one we need to make, because of the confusion choosing benefits and which one to pursue. In other words, I need help!