Good morning, @robertkem1 My daughter’s father-in-law was recently diagnosed with Frontal Temporal Lobe Dementia. This loving man had been showing signs of withdrawal contrary with his usually dynamic and emotional involvement with family and friends. Finally his wife was able to encourage him to see his doctor and after a subsequent trip to Mayo, he had a diagnosis.

But just because it now has a name, hasn’t changed the sad outcome of this debilitating condition. The impact it’s having on his wife of 40+ years and family is devastating. She’s in mourning for the loss of her husband even though he is still with her. He can function fine with daily activities, shopping and even travels solo. But there is no empathy or emotional reactions at all…going through life like an automaton.

I’m so sorry to hear your wife has this condition as well. There seems to be very little known about the whys and whats, making it difficult to be able to find caregiver support from other loved ones going through the same feeling of helplessness and loss.

The doctors and therapists have suggested therapies to help slow the cognitive decline such as speech therapy, memory reinforcement and have offered to enroll him in a trial program. Getting him to accept has been an ongoing challenge to the frustration of his family.

Is your wife working with a therapist?