New diagnosis of Mild Cognitive Impairment for husband

SallyinSB

Hello all - my first post here. I'm going to type out words - I've found that the list of acronyms is limited. What is NP, for example? Anyway, husband has experienced memory decline for about two years. Finally went to a neurologist today (I was along for note taking), and received a diagnosis of Mild Cognitive Impairment. He knew and admitted something was going on, and now we can move forward with this diagnosis. I've read through several conversations in this forum, but haven't found a recommendation on a book or two that I, as spouse and potential caregiver, can read to educate myself. Any recommendations from you folks? Thx.

Jgirl57

Hello and welcome. You will definitely need to attend all future appointments with your husband . There is a thread for books , articles that are helpful and maybe someone else can let you know how to access it. My first recommendation is the newest edition of “ The 36 hour day “ and any publication by Tam Cummings . So glad you found this forum!

Jeanne C.

Welcome. I'm sorry you and your husband are going through this. I second the recommendation from Jgirl. That book has been incredibly helpful to me. As has this forum (seriously, it has been my lifeline). NP most likely refers to nurse practitioner. Ask questions, vent, get to know the other people here. We're all somewhere on this journey and everyone is supportive.

Jgirl57

P.S. When you get the book, The 36 hour Day, start with the chapter about MCI. The book is eye opening, but I recommended to read the MCI chapter first .

Ed1937

Hi Sally. Welcome to the site, but sorry you need it. I agree that NP stands for nurse practitioner. NPs, at least in Indiana, work much like a doctor. They can diagnose and write prescriptions.

Add to the recommendation for the 36 hour day, this reading on dementia. https://www.smashwords.com/extreader/read/210580/1/understanding-the-dementia-experience#hlangandcommun   This is not to say your husband has dementia, but MCI is often later diagnosed as dementia. There are many conditions that mimic the symptoms of dementia, and they need to be ruled out before a proper diagnosis can be made. Some of these conditions can be treated, and the symptoms, for example memory decline, can possibly disappear. Here are only a few, and there are more than 50 - https://www.veteranshealthlibrary.va.gov/Encyclopedia/142,85069_VA

FAHNJL

Hi, welcome to our foxhole. Yes to all of the above and so you feel better about it, it took me a few months to get all of the acronyms. Haha

RCT

Welcome….my husband was diagnosed with MCI in 2016….by 2018 he had an Alzheimer diagnosis…he stopped driving in 2019 and its then I took over finances and all major decisions. His decline has been slow. I belong to a local support group and am seeing a therapist once a month. You have a great resources here…this is not a journey to go alone!! We all care about you! Blessings

SDianeL

Hello and welcome. You are in the right place for info & support. My DH was diagnosed 2 years ago but looking back had symptoms for several years. I found an old CT scan that showed he had white matter disease in 2015. Within a few months of his diagnosis he could no longer read & understand documents or sign his name. Go to an elder care attorney now and get him to sign a DPOA. (Durable Power of Attorney). You will need it. I have used it to sell our RV, rent an apartment & buy a new car. As other have said the book "The 36 Hour Day" really helped me early on. It was recommended by a nurse. It helped me understand why he wasn't showering and gave tips on how to get him to shower. My husband is now Stage 5 going into Stage 6. Here's a handout someone posted that helped me understand the different types of memory loss and what behaviors occur in each stage. I use this as a reference to keep track of his behaviors and take the list to his doctors appointments. It has helped them know what medications to give him for his agitation, depression and delusions. Please keep us posted. Sending hugs.

SallyinSB

Hi and thank you for your comments. I think this is going to be tough! You mentioned a handout about types of memory loss attached to your message, but I don't see an attachment. Could you please send it? Sounds quite useful. Thank you again.

SallyinSB

https://alzconnected.org/discussion/comment/185556#Comment_185556

Thank you - will get that book next week. Sounds really useful.

SallyinSB

https://alzconnected.org/discussion/comment/185558#Comment_185558

Thank you!

SallyinSB

https://alzconnected.org/discussion/comment/185569#Comment_185569

Thank you for your recommendations. I'm going to get that "36 Hour Day" book that several have recommended.