1. < Caregivers: Dementia

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

Posted by desbabydoll @desbabydoll, Aug 23, 2022

I am caring for my husband. He was diagnosed with with cognitive problems related to multiple traumatic brain injuries. I am seeing a decline in function. I knew it was coming. He has multiple physical health issues in addition to the MCI. His family is away, I feel most think I am exaggerating his decline. I watched him not being able to make a call yesterday. It worries me. He has admitted that he can't remember some of our times together. He is 21 years older than me. Any advice on what to expect in the future. He will be 60 in less than 2 months.

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Moderator
Colleen Young, Connect Director | @colleenyoung | Nov 10, 2022
In reply to @jenniferemery "Colleen, thanks for your reply. I think my husband has had dementia for several years. We..." + (show)
@jenniferemery

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

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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

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1 reply
pattyinal | @pattyinal | Nov 10, 2022

That’s a very early diagnosis. I am so sorry. I highly recommend Teepa Snow’s Positive Approach to Care. Google her. She has lots of free practical info on UTube, Facebook and TikTok.
My husband took early retirement at 64 because of memory issues. Those first few years we traveled and had lots of fun. So enjoy what you can, while you can. Now at 79, we are pretty confined, and Teepa’s suggestions are invaluable.

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pattyinal | @pattyinal | Nov 10, 2022
In reply to @jenniferemery "Colleen, thanks for your reply. I think my husband has had dementia for several years. We..." + (show)
@jenniferemery

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

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Check with your local Area Agency on Aging. Ours has been extremely helpful to those of us in this situation. There are resources available.

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janet7 | @janet7 | Nov 10, 2022
In reply to @colleenyoung "Jennifer, the best place to start is the Alzheimer's Association. They have so much information from..." + (show)
@colleenyoung

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

Jump to this post

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!

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2 replies
ellisa | @ellisaa | Nov 10, 2022
In reply to @janet7 "I have decided to find a social worker from a nearby hospital and one who works..." + (show)
@janet7

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!

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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

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1 reply
janet7 | @janet7 | Nov 10, 2022
In reply to @ellisaa "Hi Janet. You are on the right track. Finding a Licensed Clinical Social worker experienced in..." + (show)
@ellisaa

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

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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!!

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1 reply
ellisa | @ellisaa | Nov 11, 2022
In reply to @janet7 "Thank you Ellis for your support and great advice, especially about finding “a Licensed Clinical Social..." + (show)
@janet7

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!!

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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

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1 reply
jenniferemery | @jenniferemery | Nov 11, 2022
In reply to @ellisaa "Your state will have a registry of professional liscened medical providors,psychologists and liscened clinical social workers...." + (show)
@ellisaa

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

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Need government assistance. Where do I need to reply? For dementia assistance.

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jenniferemery | @jenniferemery | Nov 11, 2022
In reply to @colleenyoung "Hi @desbabydoll, you've been through many cognitive changes with your husband from traumatic brain injuries to..." + (show)
@colleenyoung

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?

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No

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jenniferemery | @jenniferemery | Nov 11, 2022
In reply to @janet7 "I have decided to find a social worker from a nearby hospital and one who works..." + (show)
@janet7

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!

Jump to this post

Where do you find financial help?

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