Worried wife

[Bymoms4pets]

My husband has been showing early symptoms of Alzheimer's. One example:. I asked when daylight savings tim was going to be and he would say:. That happened already. I changed all the clocks. This was 2 weeks before. Or he would say we had a conversation about an event when we did not. There are more but too much to type. His dad and his dad's 3 sisters had Alzheimer's. Also his grandfather. Are these early signs? I want to discuss with him but don't want to scare him.

[Bymoms4pets]

He is 59

[jaykay777]

Yes, inability to keep track of events can be a sign of early Alzheimer's. One of the other early signs is difficulty using a checkbook. However, I see no point in discussing your husband's symptoms with him, because he will perceive them differently, and may become antagonistic. I suggest keeping notes of what you observe, and the dates. Your first step might be to consult his primary care provider if you both use the same one. Also, see if your area has an Alzheimer's association, and do a search to find an online Alzheimer's.

In my family, Alzheimer's occurred on my mothers side; my mother, one of her brothers and the daughter of her other brother all had it. So far, at 85, I do not.

[Bymoms4pets in reply to jaykay777]

Thank you. My daughter is a nurse and has seen signs and she also suggested talking to his and mine primary doctor. I think taking notes is a good idea.

[ChristianElliott Partner]

Welcome to the community. You might find this memory loss checklist useful - you will receive a report by email: mybraintest.org/alzheimers-...

All the best.

[NancyN_0105]

I noticed odd things about my husband also, when he was in his late 50s. He was a quirky guy so I wasn't sure but I did take him to a primary dr and a testing site for Alzheimer's. They said it was stress. Four years later, when it became even more obvious, I took him to a neurologist. He had early onset Alzheimer's. At 69 he is now in late stage 6. Please take him to a neurologist now. They will put him on medication that will hopefully slow it down. Reading books and joining Alzheimer's reading room will be a tremendous help if he does have it. Best wishes to you both.

[foxglove]

My husband similar but older, in his 70's when confusion started .. Took me about 2 years to convince doc. something wrong - husband could be sort of "normal" at times, it was only when we saw same doc. twice in a row that it was obvious Referred to memory clinic and after lots of tests and CT brain scan husband was put on medication, which is helping at least to slow illness but I think really it is only postponing the inevitable. Still a bit of a respite! and every one different. Alzheimer's association helps some but don't think it is for me but I'm not ruling it out. Agree with one of other replies that discussing it with husband probably wont work and might agitate .. My husband's dad and one of his sisters also have been affected so although not known if genetic makes one wonder. Good wishes to you (and husband)

[jasmith49]

Hi, my husband was diagnosed with Alzheimer's just about 6 weeks ago. I have found it doesn't do much good to talk to him about problems because he will not remember the conversation afterward. This is so frustrating, not only for me, but for him also. He will swear I didn't tell him something because he doesn't remember. It is also so saddening for I know it will get worse, not better. Mostly I try to turn the conversation away from problems and onto something pleasant. Try to make a joke or bring up a good memory. Try to keep him busy with small things. Let him help around the house, fold clothes, set the table, dust the furniture, anything that will help him to feel useful and occupy time. I have found that praising him for any little accomplishment is very helpful. It keeps him in a good mood and that is extremely important. Sit and look through photos, talk about the 'good old days', etc. His mind is set in the past so concentrate on making him as happy as possible and life will be much easier. I wish you well. Having this support group has been a great help to me. God bless. Joyce