I See and Feel her slipping away

yardman49

My DW is living with undiagnosed ALZ. DW of our 36-year marriage had a cerebral hemorrhage about 1 year ago and I have seen her gradually slip away mentally at times. She was also left visually impaired by the operation which adds another challenge to overcome. She can see some things but not well enough to read. I celebrate the times she is fully lucid and with me and abhor the times she goes into her own world. Our GP doctor has determined about 4-month s ago that she is definitely living with increasing dementia and had referred us to a neurologist for whom we are still waiting for an appt to be scheduled. I am the sole caregiver for my DW and life is becoming very challenging. As for help my DW has family but they all reside in the Philippines and cannot provide physical help, and my 3 sons are all very busy with jobs and their respective families.

I am currently considering seeking some respite care from a local Demetia support group.

I have much to share in future posts and I am looking for advice and suggestions.

blacksparky

Sorry that you have had to join this group but happy you did. This group has helped me very much. I also have a DW with Alzheimer’s. She was diagnosed a little over two years ago with EOAD. Throughout this journey, I have watched her slowly leave me and the world we lived in to her own world okie dokie Alzheimer’s hell. A couple words of advice is to read any and all books that you can about Dementia, the book titled The 36 Hour Day. Also just take each day as they come and enjoy the times that are good. Your DW is still here and knows that you are her hero and protector even though some day she won’t remember your name or know that you are her husband. My DW doesn’t know who I am or my name but she knows I’m there with her all the time.

yardman49

https://alzconnected.org/discussion/comment/252188#Comment_252188

Thank you for your comments. It is a comfort to know we are not alone.

An increasing dementia episode my DW experiences is people walking around our house during the night and day. These people will tend to also sit around to watch and listen to us. Some of these people known only to my DW steal our clothes during the night as well as anything they can get a hold of. Some of these people will also cut my DW hair during the night and hit her in the head with blunt force trauma. Upon me checking for their existence they of course quickly hide or disappear before Ican see them. But oh yesmy DW claims they are always out to get her.

Timmyd

https://alzconnected.org/discussion/comment/252194#Comment_252194

I would recommend looking for a doctor in your community who specializes in treating these symptoms in dementia patients. Geriatric psychiatrists are often mentioned here as the best people to start with. Medication can often help improve some of these symptoms. You may get lucky and have success with the first try, or it may take time to experiment with different medications and dosages.

I feel I can handle just about any of the strange behavior from DW during the day, as long as I am getting solid sleep at night…. I can't imagine having to do this sleep deprived.

l7pla1w2

You are SO not alone. This discussion group comprises people who collectively have probably experienced just about everything concerning dementia.

Delusions and paranoia are common symptoms, probably arising from anxiety and confusion. There are meds that take the edge off, one being seroquel, I think.

BPS

My wife was having delusions and some hallucinations some of which were upsetting her. She was scared because she thought one of the other residents in MC was trying to kill her. They started her on Zoloft (it was the second medication they tried) and it has helped a lot. She still has delusions sometimes but they are not ones that scare her.

SDianeL

While you are waiting for a neurologist ask her PCP for an urgent referral to a Geriatric Psychiatrist to get her on medication. I found Neurologists not very helpful.