New to group

jca555 · June 17

Hello
I just wanted to introduce myself. My husband is 56 year old. He was diagnosed with PPA and frontotemporal dementia about 5 years ago. I believe we are now entering ALZ as well. This week I had to finally take away his right to drive and it was heartbreaking. I tried to blame it on the insurance company knowing he had dementia but he still blames me. Sometimes he’s ok with it and other times he cries and says he stupid. I’m really trying to not take it personally but I breakdown everyday. We seem to be progressing at a faster rate. Although he needs Demi sees to shower and change his clothes he can still do it on his own, but we have noticed that he rarely eats anymore even if I make him his favorite meals. Any help or suggestions would be great. I’m looking for advice from a community that understands what I’m going through. I am only 51 and never thought this is how it would end for us. Thanks in advance for letting me rant.

trottingalong · June 17

I’m sorry you and your husband are going through this and at such a young age. It’s hard not to take it personally. Even those of us who have been on this journey for a length of time, still fall apart and still get our feelings hurt. I tell myself often that his brain is broken, this is not who he was. It helps some. My husband can’t taste or smell any more, and hasn’t for quite a long time. Sweets are more his favorite foods. He will eat what I put before him, but the joy isn’t there any more. He has no favorites now. This amazing group of people on this site have been a godsend to ask questions, rant or just read posts from others. It’s much harder for those younger like yourselves dealing with this while holding down jobs and families. Keep coming back here and vent all you want. We are good listeners and there are some really great people that give great advice.

SDianeL · June 18

Welcome. So sorry about your DH’s diagnosis. We understand what you are going through. Each new behavior is like a gut punch to you. Although we know that they will progress, it shocks us when it happens. Not enjoying food is common. Their taste changes. I cooked scrambled eggs for breakfast often. One morning my DH looked at his plate and said “I don’t like eggs” — I cried! He also did want sweets so I gave them to him. I would try to bribe him to eat his dinner with ice cream. I supplemented his diet with protein shakes. I never asked him what he wanted, I just fixed it. I put a tray table by his recliner and he ate his meals there. He seemed to be more calm there. You might ask the doctor for medication for anxiety. Some help their appetite too. Come here often for info and support. 💜

Ronk246 · June 19

My DH used to love to eat everything. Now, for breakfast, she only wants scrambled eggs, bacon and toast with jelly. No sausage, no ham. Every day. At lunch, only toasted cheese and tomato sandwiches. Every day. At dinner, I don't allow her any choice. We eat what I pick, and that still works, pretty well. If she won't eat it, I'll save it and eat it myself later.

I hate this disease.

l7pla1w2 · June 20

Hey, I don't have dementia (well, I think I don't 😀), and I've eaten basically the same thing for breakfast all my life, juice and cereal. The same is mostly true for lunch, peanut butter sandwich. Requires no mental energy to decide what to eat.

Karen711 · June 20

Welcome jca555, sorry for your reason to be here! But you’ll find good company on this site- with the collective wisdom and kindness of the people here you will find the support you need and are looking for.
Karen

Lgb35 · June 20

sorry you had to find this group. My DH is currently diagnosed with mild dementia “unspecified”. I think it is semantic FTD. The atrophy in his brain is localized to the left temporal lobe at this point. He also has the diagnosis of aphasia. DH is 61 and I am 55. Dealing with this during your working years adds an extra layer to this horrible journey. With you being so young you are likely wanting to continue working since you are so far away from your retirement age. I have a good job and I will still need my income and insurance benefits after DH is free of this disease. Do you have kids at home? Our kids are grown but our 8 year old grandson lives with us and our oldest son lives here as well. Try to find something to lift you when you are down. It helped me to go on anxiety and depression medication. Hang in there ❤️

New to group

Comments

Commonly Used Abbreviations

Community Guidelines

Categories