Dementia the silent beast

[petluv]

My name is Marilyn and I live in SouthernCa. My husband and I have been married 48 years no children just furry ones~ My husband has had Dementia for many years but the doctors would not believe me since he has sleep apnea and they blamed his memory loss and cognitive functions on this. Finally, I insisted he had an MRI a few years ago but at that time it did not show many changes in the brain. Fast forward and another MRI and it confirmed what I knew for years. It showed changes in the brain most likely due to his sleep apena and diabetes type 2. I am his full time caregiver and it is exhausting. I know it is only going to progress and I try to take things one day at a time. He becomes agitated at everything and everyone especially me. Since no one is perfect there are days I feel l just want to walk away and have a normal life again. I stop myself by realizing the illness has taken away the person who was once caring and loving. If there is one piece of advice I would share is you must advocate for your loved ones with the doctors and not take no for an answer. Yes, this takes a lot of me but if I did not do this he would be worse than he is now. We have a very good neurologist and she listens to what I am saying and is very compassionate. As far as we know he has Vascular Dementia not from a stroke but due to blood vessels, not supplying what is needed for the brain. He may also have what is called mixed dementia.

Hugs to anyone dealing with a terrible illness in which day by day it takes a little more away.

[pkpayne]

Hi Marilyn. I've been where you are but luckily our doctor believed me. He has passed now but it was a hard time during those years when he wasn't the person I married 55 years ago. A friend of mine that had been through it before told me to join The Purple Sherpa - it's a website support group for those taking care of their loved ones with dementia. Please look it up and join. I think it could be a big comfort to you.

[petluv in reply to pkpayne]

Thank you for the website. I will check it out.

[petluv in reply to pkpayne]

I did join it on facebook! Thank you!