Why diagnose obvious MCI?

I am so glad you felt a bit better hearing my story. I also felt and feel I need a support group. This and a few friends are as close I have come to support.
It is helpful to read the comments here. Sometimes when things feel crumby, I come here and always feel I’m not alone. You are not alone.

So nice to get your reply. I have not ever used an online support group; the closest I get is sometimes with my friends. But that won't do for this challenge; I think I need to listen to others with experience. I hope to keep coming here for more help.

Someday dementias will be viewed the same way as other diseases, especially from the perspective that a correct diagnosis is needed for an effective treatment plan. Last time I checked there were at least 11 different types of dementias, as well as subtypes. Medications that work for Alzheimers may not work for some other dementias - worse, they can be harmful.

The correct treatment can sometimes delay the progression of dementias & improve quality of life. Additionally, it’s helpful for planning purposes. That bucket list trip planned for 3 yrs down the road might need to be taken sooner.

Many insightful and helpful posts on this string 🙏🏻. As regards the resistance and denial by the MCI afflicted folks, I have a few thoughts to share:
1. Denial can be deadly, the denier stays in the dugout and never gets onto the field let alone up to bat. The MCI journey…Step 1 = curious, step 2 = confirm, then move onto remediation. The Mayo Clinic HABIT program is superb, and takes a Neurologist diagnosis to enter.
2. Denial can be a ‘coping strategy’ (albeit compromising) the denier just can not accept their condition and the changes (even new life) they must take on. So they ‘pretend’; I’m JUST FINE, thanks.
3. Many maladies are non-linear in their emergence, they come and go, ebb and flow. My wife’s most emphatic impact is not memory, but cognition, and emotional. A level 1 or 2 problem gets a level 3-4 anger. That can rise to level 5+ if situational stress circumstances exist to amplify. 😒 > 😠 >😡> 🤬 >🔥
Randy

Hello again. I am struggling with how much I can control or influence. He's made so many improvements I never expected, I keep wanting more. He is a content man; I am a restless, ambitious woman. I am losing my partner slowly despite his habit changes. How do I know when to nudge for more and when to just celebrate the success and let go of the future? It is a big question, I know.

Last week I cried with my therapist. I was feeling sad because I miss Steve. The Steve who was an active partner, decision maker, and confidente. It is hard. I probably say too much, correct too much and then control too much, yet I still can’t just treat him as if he can’t help it yet for the most part he can’t help it. I guess the emphasis should be on celebrating the good times and celebrating when I am doing good with all this.
I get your energy. We have a lot in us. But I remember what my friend whose husband had Parkinson’s told me. You have to slow down now; be patient and appreciate every moment.

My husband was diagnosed with MCI last year. I feel the same way you do about missing my friend, husband, and partner who used to be there. It IS hard to accept that he's gone while simultaneously remembering that this is still him...that he's still in there sometimes, somewhere. That requires some nearly impossible mental gymnastics. My new goal is to try to focus on hope. I know he won't get better, but I hope I can make myself strong enough to appreciate the time we have left. It's so easy to get depressed about it.