worried about my own memory

LinnyLB · September 10

My husband was diagnosed with early stage Alzheimers and lately I am wondering if I have alzheimers. I do not know if it is from the stress. He is very negative and constantly talking about what is wrong with him. I try to be patient but it is sometimes difficult with his pessimistic attitude. I am not sure if anyone else worries about this. But i have started to question my own memory and I am very focused if I forget a name,what I am looking for Etc.

Nancy13 · September 10

Hi. Yes, me too. And he's mean also. What to do

annie51 · September 10

I start getting anxious when I can’t recall something that I should know. We’re probably all hypersensitive to it and I would think this stress might also contribute. But I also wonder with all the isolation and minimal activities as DH progresses, how much is my risk increasing? Something I’m adding to my pros and cons list for memory care.

Biggles · September 10

its awful I question myself all the time not much stimulation mainly 24/7 caring chores. Lack of sleep makes things worse too DH was up from 3am on the hour last night although I try to rest through his agitated wakefulness I'm always listening in case something is wrong. Woke up both sad and short tempered. Didn't like myself so I'm working on me now. We have a sailing day today with Sailability but now there is no enthusiasm or interest shown by my DH and that makes it hard I feel like just collapsing into a heap and doing nothing. Take care.

wose · September 10

Yes, since it’s front and center every day, I think that contributes to our worry. Since DH I’m trying to check all the healthy boxes but it’s pretty much impossible when it comes to sleep. So I’m extremely worried especially since I know there is no one to take care of me. Will I know when to commit myself or will I burn down my house. It’s lonely and a bit scary. I’m so sorry for you, my hubby is a downer and this disease really amplifies it. Wishing you peace and strength

Denise1847 · September 10

https://alzconnected.org/discussion/74060/worried-about-my-own-memory

Hi Linny, I have read that this is common for those who are stressed, depressed and grieving. You are very normal. Try to do anything you can to relieve your stress, get counseling and meds for depression and read about the effects of grief. Do whatever you can to get out, socialize, read, exercise. You have to take care of yourself. This disease will take you down. Do not feel guilty about self-care. You are going through a horrific experience. God help us all.

ronda b · September 11

I wish self care was easy,but it isn't. I feel guilty all the time because I'm sick and tired of being around DH all the time. Every where I go he wants to go . Shopping is get what you need and straight out. No looking at anything. Or he will want to wait in the car for me( which i don't trust). If I leave and gone longer than he thinks he is calling wondering were I am. So my trips are very short, to get a coffee pick up medication.

Just venting.

annie51 · September 11

https://alzconnected.org/discussion/comment/253223#Comment_253223

Yes, self care is nearly impossible when your LO is ALWAYS there. I’ve tried companion caregivers but it’s only a few hours a week - if he lets them stay. It isn’t enough. I will try daycare again and hope that will go better than the first try. Socialization and exercise are seriously lacking for me right now.

SDianeL · September 11

welcome. Glad you’re here. Yes many of us caregivers wonder about our memory. Many doctors do a quick cognitive test. My PCP did one the last time I saw her. If you’re concerned I would speak to your doctor. More than likely it’s stress. Caregiving is stressful. Your husband is not intentionally being pessimistic. It’s the disease. It causes anxiety. Learn all you can about dementia. It will help you help him. Read the book “The 36 Hour Day” which was recommended by a nurse. Search online for dementia caregiving videos. Tam Cummings and Teepa Snow have good ones. One tip I learned here that helped me “ you can’t reason with someone whose reasoner is broken” so no need to try. Repeating that phrase throughout the day helped me be more patient.

worried about my own memory

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