At last a diagnosis!

41fuzzy0606 · October 9

I have been watching my DH decline for the past six years. At first I thought it was just his age, he is now 84, but soon realized it was more than that. So I started researching and became certain that he had dementia. The frustrating thing was the doctors kept saying he was fine. They would ask him to remember three words which he could easily do. There was no way he could draw a clock but that seemed ok with them. If they would have asked me I could have told them that he could no longer take a shower without guidance or get dressed on his own. He is often very confused and delusional. He is simply not the person he used to be. But enough of my ranting. Today we finally got a diagnosis! I wish the diagnosis could be different but it was such a relief to get my concerns acknowledged. Just to know that I am no longer alone in this journey and that someone sees what I see.

RetiredTeacher · October 9

I am sorry you are having to deal with this reality but am thankful you finally have a diagnosis. It's interesting so many if us know well before they are diagnosed because we live with it every day. I'm glad you found this wonderful site. We truly understand and are here to support you.

SDianeL · October 10

welcome. Sorry about the diagnosis but glad you finally have it. Learn all you can about caregiving. Read the book “The 36 Hour Day” and then search online for dementia caregiving videos by Tam Cummings or Teepa Snow. Get your legal affairs in order if you haven’t already. You will need DPOA, medical POA and HIPPA forms. Come back often. We understand. 💜

41fuzzy0606 · October 10

Thank you so much for the advice. I’ve had several people recommend The 36 Hour Day. I’ll order it tomorrow.

harshedbuzz · October 10

@41fuzzy0606

Hi and welcome. I am sorry for your reason to be here, but glad you found this place.

My dad went undiagnosed for a decade before I finally got a name for what I was seeing. That said, mom was like the frog in the warm pot of water on the stove and oblivious until dad's dementia almost killed her.

I feel like sometimes PCP shy away from doing the screenings. Maybe it's the time they take, although a trained RN could do it. But I suspect it's the combination of dire prognosis without much in the way of effective treatment. When I had concerns about mom, her PCP did order bloodwork and imaging and did a slapdash screening questionnaire that was nothing close to a full MMSE or MoCA dad's neurologists and geri psych used. Turns out she had Lyme Disease and did improve with a course of treatment.

HB

jgreen · October 10

Hi Fuzzy. I echo what those who responded above me that I am glad you found us.

It took a year of me pushing for tests/imaging to confirm what I was seeing. Love our PCP for DH’s medical problems, but he falls short on the neuro aspect. After 2 MRI’s and blood test they finally/reluctantly said DH has Alzheimer’s disease. Once I had that, I started doing research and found this space. Not feeling quite so alone.

You will find great tips, support, and stories that will validate your own feelings and emotions. We are on individual journeys, but are in it with love and support. May God bless you and your DH.

At last a diagnosis!

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