DW realized her memory loss

Pat Coughlin · August 20

My DW had the realization that she has a memory problem. Her two children confirmed it to her. Whether she accepts it or not remains to be seen. She has always called me a liar when I told her that she has become forgetful.

trottingalong · August 20

My husband is aware that he’s confused and often will say he is like his mother. At the same time he will ask me if I think he has it? I always tell him I know he does sometimes get confused but he’s not like his mother. He never remembers those conversations but they happen often. I can see his palpable relief when I acknowledge what he sees in himself while also assuring him he doesn’t have what his mom had (dementia).

SDianeL · August 20

people with dementia have anosognosia which means they are unable to understand they have dementia. Even if they know sometimes that they are struggling with cognitive issues. She won’t remember the conversation with you or with her 2 children. Her brain will not allow her to accept it. I didn't tell my husband he had dementia. I told him the Neurologist was a brain doctor. There is no need to tell your loved one they have dementia as it just adds to their anxiety and agitation. If she asks I would say something vague like we all have memory issues as we get older and then change the subject. Sometimes fibbing is the kindest thing you can do with your loved one with dementia.

DW realized her memory loss

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