Doesn’t want to go anywhere

My DW became increasingly agitated with other people around. Very early, before we were sure there was anything wrong she dropped out of her social groups. Her friends told me she had trouble following conversations and that frustrated her. As time went on she she became grumpy in crowds, like busy restaurants or fast food places. She was OK with just a few "familiar" people, even if she wasn't sure who they were. She stopped recognizing me as her husband and did not know my name (or she invented one) but mostly was comfortable with me and actually did not like leaving me for her day care for instance. She did enjoy her day care once she was there however because they keep the attendees busy and did not require much interaction between them. As time went on she would become somewhat difficult with people around that she saw infrequently, like when her childhood friend came to visit.

Travel in particular would stress her, she didn't like being away from home even to visit family locally. At first she was polite but wanted to go home after a short time. Eventually incontinence and agitation ruled out these visits. Early on we took our last long distance trip with our daughter and her family, whom she loved. This trip went downhill after a couple of days as she became insistent she had to go home.

My DW did also enjoy daily walks with just me and our dog, but stores became too much of a overload for her.

Don't know how much help that was. From others I talked to, and this forum, your experience is not unusual.

unfortunately it’s common. There are several reasons. They are more comfortable in familiar surroundings. The stimuli is overwhelming. Their brains can’t handle it. They don’t remember names or faces. They can’t follow conversations. They can’t communicate. They become anxious. Sadly it’s time to stay home and keep things calm. Even going to the store may be too much soon. You should get respite care lined up so you can go have breaks.

We are in year 10. We had a lake home in Minn. when DW was diagnosed, 6 years later that got to be too much. Now we have a 2nd home in Colorado where our son and grands live. We are still going back and forth to Illinois splitting time. I assume it will stop soon and it isn’t easy but I think after 50 years me and the dog being there is her stability.

CindyBum you are so right, with goodness n their hearts people try to encourage you to be active, engaged, walk, do puzzles, communicate, socialise but I too found that it caused so much stress in me and was definitely stressful and uncomfortable for my DH. Also quite useless there is no comeback from this tiresome awful disease. He finds anything that includes other people stressful especially visiting our children except he would like our son to be here with us and our son lives 1500kl away with his own family. It’s a matter of accepting and getting on with it. Do what you can when you can and gently roll with their needs. So much better and yes still sad.

Attempted to engage DW with playing solitaire with cards…didn’t work. Set her phone up with solitaire…same result.

I read that several hospitals, universities are testing psilocybin, MDMA, and other similar treatments. Oregon has approved its use for depression and anxiety but not AD. I know there are risks, does anyone have knowledge about this treatment?

Last November, I made reservations for an event which was about an hour away. Since the event was in the evening and I wasn't sure how long it would last, I booked a hotel in the area. The event took place last night. We had a wonderful time, good food, great comradery, and a beautiful historic inn. This morning, my DH wanted to leave very early in the morning. As I was driving home, he asked where I was going. When I said home, he said not my home! All day he has been threatening to call Police if I don't leave. He doesn't believe we are married, and he wants me out now! I can't seem to be able to deescalate, or redirect. I called his son in Michigan to have him talk, but that didn't help. Right now, he wanted the car keys, so I told him he had them. He is looking now, I am hoping this calms him down.

@KathyBol Are you ok? Were you able to sort out the situation from yesterday with your husband’s agitation?

Russinator:

How do you handle her behavior?

I tell her I love her, I have always loved her, I will always love her and I have never cheated. Then, after trying to kiss her, I turn around and walk away saying I'll see you tomorrow.

Yes it did; however, not all the time. It did get worse as time passed.