Husband with dementia in denial

Posted by tooshie @tooshie, Feb 2 1:15pm

How to encourage my sister caring for her husband with Dementia to join an online support group? I doubt she will go to an in-person support group, so as not to leave her husband alone.

And, how to get the husband to go to a doctor to get diagnosed?
thanks liz

Interested in more discussions like this? Go to the Caregivers: Dementia Support Group.

I go to all of my husband's doctor's appointments. I keep a diary of his behaviour - I phoned his doctor and explained what was happening and made an appointment for stomach issues. (could be any issue that he is experiencing) while there, the doctor asked a few questions and did a questionnaire test. My husband did well; he has a university degree and keeps up with world affairs. After the testing, I gave my diary to the doctor, and he gave the diagnosis of Vascular Dementia and was referred to the local dementia team. The doctor informed me that the diagnosis would not have been so early without the diary. Over time, his dementia has worsened, and I still keep a diary of his behaviours, and it will probably be useful when he has to be in care.

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@tooshie, I can imagine that your sister is overwhelmed caring for her husband. Have you shared Mayo Clinic Connect with her? Following the discussion here and even joining in might make her feel less alone. She can post or read any time of day or night when she is able.

Is her husband refusing to go to the doctor?

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I tried an in-person support group and didn't get much out of it. I learn much more here and find more understanding. This is a great group! I don't know what I'd do without it. I hope your sister will sign up.

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@pamela78

I tried an in-person support group and didn't get much out of it. I learn much more here and find more understanding. This is a great group! I don't know what I'd do without it. I hope your sister will sign up.

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I also tried an in person support group but there were 20 people to speak in 90 minutes. I found it very depressing I thought their experiences would help me but found they were just venting for 10 minutes and I left feeling depressed and exhausted.

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