recognition does it come and go? Told me my eyes are a different color

RowenaSilver

Ok:

No dx yet, but things have been weird for a few years and I've gone from wondering what's wrong with DH to thinking it's ALZ or dementia.  (I'm keeping it short). Had discussions with family dr about various things. 

I have a couple of questions: we read about ALZ patients not recognizing family members. DH did not recognize me the other day. I had mask on but I walked into a room where he was waiting for me (he knew what I was wearing etc). He stared straight at me for a few seconds and then went back to what he was doing.

Question 1: 

Does recognition come and go? This was the first time EVER. Although he has begun to forget shared history. 

(I'm not hurt)

Question 2: Today he was looking at me and told me I had blue eyes. Said he didn't know I had blue eyes. They are dark brown. 

I don't know what to make of this. Has anyone experienced this? 

Rick4407

Hello Rowena, my experience is almost everything comes in bits and pieces and fades in and out.  The trend is to eventually losing that skill but it takes a while.  

You may want to start doing Dr. visits together, it will be essential later on and its nice to have the habit established.  We actually started that before my DW's dementia since we figured we had a strong interest in the health of each other.   Every appointment we share, no matter how intrusive.  It's probably not common but it sure makes for more knowledge about how my DW is doing.  We have been met with no raised eyebrows or questions.  That casualness about our bodily functions will help when incontinence hits.  It also helps with general hygiene as time progresses.  Just a thought, Rick  

RowenaSilver

Thank you. I'll try that but he's been resistant to the idea so far.

Ed1937

Rowena, welcome to the forum. Sorry you are experiencing this. Are you relying on a family doctor for diagnosis? A much better place to go is with a neurologist who sees dementia patients as a large part of his/her business. All other possible causes for the symptoms need to be evaluated, and treated if something is found. 

Keep posting here, and you will get a lot of support and help. Again, welcome.

Rescue mom

Yes, recognition for many things, including people, does come and go.

It’s pretty essential (to me, at least) to be there with him and doctor,  or at least get an immediate briefing/talk with the doctor. The PWA is often unable to tell you what was said, ordered or advised—even if they are willing to tell you, they don’t understand, forget parts, etc. etc. and you said he’s already having issues. No doctors has ever objected IME.

 I have horror stories about my own DHs version vs. the doctors version, even shortly before he was diagnosed. My DH did not object to telling me, he just forgot 80 percent before walking out the door, and was confused about what he did remember.

Medical jargon is hard enough even when you’re not a dementia patient. Do you really think he “gets” it all when you already see what he doesn’t? 

I also agree that you are very likely to need a neurologist for the Dx. (They’re not much help later, but they can Dx). Sad to say, PCPs are quite often not great with dementia. They are great with many things, but they can’t do everything.

Your local Alzheimer’s Association can help find specialists who can diagnose, and provide great references for other related issues, too, all for free.