Long Story

DBern

Hi all, I am new to the online support group. My husband has both vascular and FTD. I was wondering if any other spouses abruptly left their family home during an illness that presented as psychiatric, but was later diagnosed with dementia after many unfortunate events, say 2 years. We finally had to place my husband in a memory care facility but is currently out of state due to the circumstances that led to that state. Also our daughter lives a few miles from the facility, and I visit often -monthly. It is very hard to deal with the seperation, but for now we have no other choice. This began when he was 65. Thank you!

Gladysz

I'm so sorry you are so far away from your husband.

Psychiatric type behaviors often accompany dementia. Victims of such diseases can experience hallucinations, delusions, and psychosis. Hospital delirium is another negative experience many victims of dementia have to deal with.

It sucks. It all sucks. Many folks refer to this situation as "ambiguous grief". We are grieving a person who is still physically present, but the person we once knew is fading.

"Radical acceptance" is one way of coping. Understanding reality for what it is and understanding that - try as I might - I cannot change the situation. I can only adapt to the situation.

Hugs from a fellow caregiver.