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@denisefrey

My husband's brother has FTD Dementia with Aphasia and it has become exponentially worse over the last three years. He's only 68 and the signs began 10 - 15 years ago. We didn't know what it was until he ended up in the ER two months ago. He spent 8 weeks in the hospital and last week we moved him into a memory care community close to us. We are his primary caregivers (I'm now his legal guardian and conservator). The hardest parts right now is that he's depressed - sleeps most of the day and only leaves his room twice a day to eat, he won't shower or change his clothes, and because of his loss of language it's very hard to talk with him. He has an extremely limited vocabulary so he doesn't understand our words, and he only has a few words to express how he's feeling. It's so very very sad.

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Replies to "My husband's brother has FTD Dementia with Aphasia and it has become exponentially worse over the..."

@denisefrey You have certainly taken on a huge job! I certainly respect you for doing so. As a nurse who dealt with many elderly patients and those with dementia, I can say that what your brother in law is going through is pretty common. When you think about it, he went from his home to 8 weeks in a hospital (which is constantly busy with lots of people), then to another new place. But he should adjust with time. ( Just a hospital stay of a few days can cause disorientation and confusion.) Put lots of his personal things in his room to help him feel at home.
You’ve done a wonderful thing for your BIL and in time it will be OK.