Vascular dementia

a083129

I am a caregiver for my ex-husband who has vascular dementia. CT brain scan showed mini strokes, most likely started decades ago that never showed any symptoms of any stroke. I started noticing odd behaviors as far back as 2019 when he started having a few fainting spells. I couldn't get him to go to a doctor. Then in 2022, a strange behavior that I thought was not normal for him. But I didn't connect the dots to realize that something was going on with his heart. Then in 2023, he started losing weight without trying. In the tune of 15-18 pounds. Now, he is starting to lose a little more weight. Now, he has no short-term memory. He doesn't know how to read a clock. Odd behavior that started a few days ago: he doesn't know how to read a clock, but he has to have a watch on both wrists. Makes no sense. He has to keep the disposable briefs on due to bladder incontinence. He can still talk but the communication is such that doesn't make much sense. It used to be that I had to give him words, but now it is nonsense communication, and I have to really think what he is trying to say. For now, I have been able to figure him out. He gets agitated easily, so I have to keep my speech kind and sensitive. That's not hard for me, but this whole new way of living is extremely frustrating at times. I have good days dealing with it and then some days, I just want to SCREAM! My hospice team keeps telling me that I am doing an excellent job with him and my responses to him is correct and not to doubt myself. But they did tell me that there will be good days, bad days and horrible days. I have experienced them all. Sometimes I feel that I am living in a nightmare, and I just want the dream to end. But I have quickly realized that it is real, and I am just trying to cope the best that I can. I do not wish this disease on anyone or the caregiver. I am praying for us all.