New to this site and need advice

A12270

my DH was diagnosed 2 years ago with MCI due to Alzheimer’s and has been progressing so likely now moving into middle stage. He is on lots of meds including the newest transfusion treatments that he receives every 2 weeks. He can still do daily tasks and drives short distances. We are in Greece for a 12 days cruise as I thought this might be our last chance to travel. He is not doing well and I think it is because we are in a different unfamiliar environment. This has been more work on me than a vacation. Would appreciate any insights on traveling with DH. Assuming we will have to limit travel moving forward. Appreciate hate all the support this group can lend. Thanks!!

Gator1976

not sure how the “hate” got into this? Kinda messes up your meaning.

A12270

typo sorry

JEA

https://alzconnected.org/discussion/74189/new-to-this-site-and-need-advice

We took an early 30 yr anniversary trip to Hawaii in February, and it was horrible. He forgot who I was and he just wanted to go home to "his" apartment. He thought he could take a bus, if I would just give him a ride to the bus stop. It took several weeks after we got home for him to recognize that I am his wife. He still goes in and out of reality.

Chris20cm

https://alzconnected.org/discussion/74189/new-to-this-site-and-need-advice

You are in the right place, on this forum. Travel is a challenge and dementia sufferers all seem to have different responses to what once was likely an enjoyable thing, so I understand your wanting a last good "vacation."
My DW doesn't like travel in any form now and has to be told hundreds of times where we are going and why.

We keep going because we love them. Sometimes we don't like them anymore, but we still love them.

trottingalong

It’s difficult for me to get my husband to even leave the house. Change of any kind stresses him out

annie51

I traveled as long as I could with DH. At first I had to calm him down during the night because he would wake up and not know where he is. Then it became harder at things like the airport where there was a lot of waiting and he became very impatient. I then began talking to the gate agents about his dementia and they let us pre-board, which helped a lot. Then he started becoming agitated on the longer flights, because he had no concept of time. He couldn’t handle long drives anymore either. I decided on one last try - our annual ski trip with our ski club. It became more stress and less fun. At that point I decided that travel had to stop. If you decide to take a trip, just be prepared to pivot and change plans if yiu need to. I had to do that a couple of times when nothing else worked. It’s a hard thing to give up but you’ll know when it’s the right time to stop.

Leesee

My DH (70) is stage 5 ALZ + VD. I (64) still work FT and plan to retire next June at age 65.

DH hasn't worked in 10 years and getting us financially ready for my retirement has been stressful. The only thing I splurge on is vacations.

Since his diagnosis in 2023 (mid-stage) we've been on several vacations each year (cruises, visiting out of state family etc.). I always think every vacation will be our last because it feels more difficult than it's worth. He doesn't even remember the last trip we took which was his 'birthday wish' to rent a house for our entire family on an island in the Great Lakes for his 70th birthday.

I just can't stop myself from making vacation plans :) I get excited planning these trips because I know, as difficult as it will be, there will also be moments of joy between the two of us.

Someone on this site mentioned Elite Travel and their Dementia Friendly cruises. They have mixed reviews, but after a month of investigating winter get-aways for the two of us, I decided to schedule their February 2026 Caribbean Cruise.

DH and I love cruising and especially enjoy the Caribbean during the winter. I told him we are cruising with a senior citizen's travel group (just left out the dementia part). He's never been a highly social person but he seems to enjoy being around people and he definitely needs daily activity. I purchased the travel insurance in case his decline over the next few months makes this trip impossible.

If you want to research them: https://www.elitecruisesandvacationstravel.com/upcoming-dementia-friendly-cruises.html

I hope he settles-in a bit and you are able to make some special memories with your DH while traveling in Greece.

Timmyd

This was my approach to travel as DW transitioned through stages.

Pay attention to what works and what doesn't work. Adjust future travel plans according.

Leisure travel got the be increasing less pleasant but it still felt worthwhile. We continued with leisure travel until we had a trip where I spent the majority of the trip wishing we had not gone. DW was diagnosed stage 4 in Oct 2021. The leisure trip where I wish we had not gone did not happen until August 2024. In between were a lot of trips that had difficult moments, but looking back, I feel good about how it worked out.

Other than ALZ, DW is in good health. I try to be comfortable taking risks as long as she seems agreeable and they do not risk her health or safety. I know other people have different comfort levels with managing the risk associated with travel.

Regarding air travel, ALZ patients are entitled to accommodations from TSA and airlines so don't be shy about looking into that.

SDianeL

Each PWD is different. Anti anxiety meds might help if he’s not already on them. Could you take someone with you to assist? Either a family member or hired caregiver? Look into the cruises mentioned above. My last short car trip with my husband did not go well. He was stage 4-5 then. He refused to eat and didn’t socialize. He didn’t have his TV to watch. He was miserable and so was I. The only way you will know is to try. You’ll know when to stop.