How do I talk to LO In denial?

sunshine5

Despite neurologist and doctors telling DH of his early dementia diagnosis. Therapist asked u have any memory problems? He says no !

He asks me why he is having therapy, putting patch on etc.

Is it wrong of me to keep telling him that we r working on improving his memory?

I don’t know what I should be saying to convince him. He says, I am going to make his memory worse, he has no problem! 

He can’t remember what happened a few minutes ago!

M1

Sunshine, read about anosognosia. He cant see that hes impaired, its much more than denial. Its part of the brain damage.

Joe C.

Sunshine, My DW never accepted or recognized her dementia so I completely understand how frustrating this can be. M1 advice is correct about educating yourself on anosognosia. The sooner you can accept that he will most likely never recognize his dementia and adjust your approach on the subject the easier it will be for both of you.

harshedbuzz

Another vote for anosognosia.

I would question why he's having talk therapy with significant memory loss. He's unlikely to be able to learn and retain new ways of thinking or the tools to use to improve his situation. At best, you're wasting time and money- at worst you could be upsetting him.

Ed1937

With anosognosia, you could show him the test results. Then he'd probably say they got his mixed up with someone else's. It wouldn't matter how much "Proof" you show him, he can't accept it. Best not to even talk about it, or you're risking upsetting him. Make your life easier by accepting that yourself.

sandwichone123

Be aware that, although it is so frustrating to deal with a loved one who can't recognize the problem, it is also very painful to have the loved one understand where they are and where they are headed. There is pain either way.