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Spouse diagnosed with MCI 2 years ago: Signs I see

Posted by geppetto @geppetto, Sep 22 10:39am

My wife was diagnosed with MCI almost 2 years ago. Here's some of what I am seeing. She no longer can drive. Short memory; discussions with family and friends she can often revert back to the same question asked earlier. Slow walking, it's as if she no longer walks with a purpose, very slow, very short steps. Dazed look, as if you can tell she is not all there, very slow in answering simple questions. Uncomfortable with change to the point she hesitates stopping at any grocery store that is not our local stop. Unless prompted, will not offer to do anything other than watch TV. When with family or friends can get up and walk away as if to leave with no notice. Hears things at night (knocking on door, walking across room) that are clearly not there. Easily confuses left and right and struggles with directions. I'm sure there are many other signs, this is just some of what I am seeing.

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johnfinaz | @johnfinaz | Sep 22 11:02am

MCI can be difficult to deal with. I have been dealing with my wife's diminishing recent memory for about 6 years. When she asks me the same question multiple times during a short period I give the best and truthful answer I can even if it's the 24th time I have repeated it over a short period of time. Although it's difficult never berate someone with MCI for repeatedly asking the same question over and over again it's possible to be as kind and understanding . People with MCI should never be left alone as they may wander into dangerous areas in the home or even go outside and not know where they are.
My wife and I have been married for over 70 years and I love her very much. I will do anthing I can to help her during these difficult times late in life. It's difficult, but it can be done with love!

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Colleen Young, Connect Director | @colleenyoung | Sep 27 3:17pm

@geppetto, that's a helpful list of observations for your wife's care team. Has she been re-assessed since the original diagnosis 2 years ago?

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geppetto | @geppetto | Sep 28 7:29am

Every 6 months along with a sleep study that now has her on CPAP.

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blip4891 | @blip4891 | Sep 28 11:58am
In reply to @colleenyoung "@geppetto, that's a helpful list of observations for your wife's care team. Has she been re-assessed..." + (show)
@colleenyoung

@geppetto, that's a helpful list of observations for your wife's care team. Has she been re-assessed since the original diagnosis 2 years ago?

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I was wondering about that too. This sounds more than "mild" to me.

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