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Vascular dementia and Alzheimer's : Support & tips welcome
My husband was diagnosed 4 years ago with both vascular dementia and alzheimer's. Though his mother passed away in 2009 with alzheimer's and my sister in 2023 with dementia he at times is in denial of his own diagnoses. He tells his friends and family that it's me making it up. He's not able to drive anymore at doctor's orders, and that didn't and still doesn't sit well with him. I do have a hard time with him when we get out. He makes gestures at other drivers or tries to tell me how to drive. Which frustrations us both. He's on medication now and has been but I know the worse is yet to come. My biggest fear is that he served in the army. That one day he may think he's back at war and think I'm an enemy because I'm Hispanic and he's not. I helped with his mother until her passing and with my sister until her passing and i experienced what changes they go through. It wasn't easy and so hard to see their changes. I don't have anyone that I can count on for help. Other than God, I have no idea how I'm going to handle things when he startes to change. June will be 5 years he was diagnosed and fear his medication won't be as helpful to slow down his progression. Any and all help with support groups or advice from those experiencing issues like this is greatly appreciated. Thank you very much for your time in reading my post.
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After my dad had reached later stages of dementia, he sat and watched the festivities for a while during holiday gatherings, but then retired to his recliner in the living room. He could still hear most things but liked being out of the limelight. Occasionally, he would go lay down in the bedroom for a nap until things calmed down. He did best if the house wasn’t full of guests for more than 2 hours.
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3 ReactionsSummer, it might be worthwhile to have your husband visit the VA and meet with a primary care MD. The MDs at the VA have a lot of resources at their disposal that might help you & your husband. take care
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6 Reactions@summer091111
Reasons for Sundowning
Due to damage of a specific area of the brain:
1. Sleep- wake cycle- The natural sleep- wake cycle is disrupted.
2. Hormone release due to low light exposure is disrupted. Confusing shadows may appear.
3. Overstimulation: A busy or noisy environment during the day can lead to mental fatigue.
4. Physical problems that are not recognized: Hunger, thirst, or pain.
5. Energy requirements: The damaged brain needs much more energy to work during the day.
Helpful hints:
Lights: Brighter lights at night
Relaxation: Quiet Rest time in the afternoon
Food: High energy snacks at sundown or smaller meals every 2-4 hours.
Medications
Massage
Equate sun downing to a baby or toddler's 5:00 pm crying for no particular reason.
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5 Reactions@gilkesl thank you very much for this information. Though I've asked and researched rundowning I hadn't been able to find information like this. I did know about more lighting as I saw my sister through it. This is very informative and I have taken deep notes on this. Thank you again for helping me understand things a bit better. Blessings to you.
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1 Reaction@tunared actually I took him to his VA checkup just last week. Our primary doctor and his memory doctor are outside the VA but I make sure they're all in communication regarding my husband's care. His VA does talk to us about certain things but not as much about his vascular dementia and alzheimer's as he has both. Though she has offered me helpful advice and guidance to other resources within the VA. Thank you so much for your help.
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1 ReactionDI would like to address the veteran issue. I am a veteran of vietnam war. I saw a little action but not anyway near of those in the infantry. I had a few flash backs but that was long ago nothing in 40 plus years. If you husband has not had a problem in a long time I don't think he will. I know everyone is different ,but most people in war do not see combat or just a little so it doesn't affect them for long term. No quaranties of course. Fl. has a state sponsored nsg home ,maybe your state does as well when it comes to that. The dementia only gets worse not better. I wish I could offer you hope but I have none to give. I am all out. My wife has vas dementia as well. she is in stage five middle to late. Good luck to you
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1 ReactionI am so sorry you are going through all this. My husband was diagnosed two years ago and progressing. He still knows me and can perform daily duties like dressing and going to the bathroom, but he is in denial but accepts the fact that he can't drive. I have suffered with Long Covid for a long time so it isn't easy. I worry about his progression and my own health as I am his caregiver. If something happens to me what will become if him. I am keeping him home as he wishes and we have an occasional home helper.
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