Newly diagnosed DH with early onset Alzeheimers

Lisamarie62

My DH was diagnosed with early onset ALZ November 2023 at the age of 62. We are doing a trial drug through Lily in Plymouth Meeting, PA. He'll have been in the trial for over 15 months as of Feb 2025. I am wondering what early symptoms I should look out for. He has a bad short term memory, finds it difficult to find words in conversation and looses (misplaces) common things like keys and phone. Anyone already gone through the early stages? If so, what can I expect?

Bailey's Mom

I think everyone has a different experience, but there are alot of similarities. My HWD was diagnosed about a year ago. His symptoms started with trouble recalling names of people we know, actors, places, etc. It has become progressively worse…now he can't watch tv, except for sports, because he can't follow a plot or the characters in a show, plus he can't use the remotes at all. He asks the same questions over and over and we can spend hours coming up with a solution to a problem and just have to start all over again the next day, or sooner. He has no conception of time, and asks repeatedly what day it is, what month it is, thinks things that cost 5,000 costs 100,000 or even a million, can't read a clock, etc. It is best not to tell him about anything until right before as he frets and frets and makes things so complicated that they can hardly be accomplished. He is agitated and angry most of the time, shadows me relentlessly, loses keys and other items, have to show him how to turn on/off his cellphone every day. He has trouble pumping gas and using his credit card at the pump. Be prepared to pick up after him like a child…leaves dishes, food, clothes everywhere and my house is a total wreck. He talks nonstop and it is exhausting by the end of the day. He can still do some things though…can still take his medications although I have to remind him, checks the oil and batteries in the car, charges the golf cart, waters the plants. I am thankful that he is still continent, although I know that day is coming. The hardest thing for me was to realize that he is not the partner that I once had, but once I accepted that my expectations were lowered and it is much easier. Hope you have some good results with your trial…let us know!

trottingalong

https://alzconnected.org/discussion/71866/newly-diagnosed-dh-with-early-onset-alzeheimers

I’d look into the Tam Cummings assessment tool. It sounds like your DH is more into stage 4/5.

https://www.tamcummings.com/tools

Biggles

Ditto to Bailey’s Mom except the last time my DH filled the car he put diesel in the petrol tank caused a major drama. Can’t use the remote or phone, read a clock, follow a story line, or understand money so can’t pay any bills or do the shopping, can’t use any of his battery operated tools in the shed. He gave me really good instructions while on the job before he was this far advanced. He’s still continent thank goodness but I assist with his shaving and we often shower together (once upon a time this might have been romantic now just rather sad) Suggestion learn as much as you can about the running of the house, operating the tools, HWS and house heating and cooling systems servicing the car etc before he advances any further because sooner or later you find you are on your own. Good luck keep posting.

SDianeL

So sorry about your DH’s diagnosis. I am attaching a chart that may help. Not everyone exhibits all the behaviors in each stage. The behaviors can overlap or present later. I kept this chart handy and kept a list of my DH’s behaviors that I sent to his doctors monthly or as they happened. I did not let my DH see the list. It helped me communicate with the doctors. If you haven’t done so, read the book “ The 36 Hour Day” and watch Tam Cummings videos. https://act.alz.org/site/DocServer/sevenstages.pdf?docID=16881