New diagnosis

turville · May 27

My 69 yo husband just diagnosed with MCI and MRI showed brain atrophy in areas of brain associated with Alzheimer’s. He still functions independently, but memory issues are increasing, and some difficulty with speech, spatial skills, and word finding. Next appt (for neurology and more memory tests is 3 months away. My Qs are: is there anything he can do between then and now to slow progression, and how do I know what should I be looking for between now and his appts?

blacksparky · May 27

The only suggestions I have are to eat healthy, lots of vegetables and fruit, get daily exercise from walking , light weights, and try to stay social. What about you, how are you doing? Start thinking about changing your trust to make someone other than your husband a trustee for you just in case you are not able to make a decision. Update your medical and financial POA’s while he is able to still understand and sign his name. I may be telling you this too early as I don’t want to upset you. Also get the book The 36 Hour Day and read it. Lots of questions you may have will be answered. Stay with this group as we all have been there or are on our way there.

Maru · May 27

https://alzconnected.org/discussion/76140/new-diagnosis

Sorry that you find yourself here. The good news/bad news is that ALZ is usually pretty slow, so waiting 3 months for a complete work-up won't make a difference. As BlackSparky said, read as much about the disease as possible, watch the YouTube videos: Teepa Snow, Tam Cummings, Natalie Edwards and others.

This is a real supportive group and no question is dumb or too small. We've all been there and it seems pretty overwhelming from the onset. In the meantime, get your paper work in order: POA, MPOA, trusts and wills. And, don't forget, that if your DH has dementia, you do not want to have him named on your POA and MPOA.

Chris20cm · May 27

Things I have found sometimes effective, sometimes not:

Jigsaw puzzles, 300 piece

Talking about her childhood.

Regular exercise, in whatever place and speed she is comfortable with.

Seroquel to ease the paranoia.

Not asking her to make decisions.

Occasionally watching NASCAR or INDY races on TV.

Letting her take long naps.

Giving her old Mother's Day cards to read, and birthday cards, and even anniversary cards.

There's a lot of trial and error involved, but that's to be expected.

H1235 · May 27

Welcome. So sorry you need to be here. One of the most important things to do is see an elder law attorney and get all legal matters in order. Even if you have addressed this in the past, it’s important to look at things again with dementia in mind. Some things you might want to think about - a durable power of attorney, medical power of attorney, will, living will and discussion of Medicaid eligibility and what is covered in your state. You should also consider that you need someone other than your husband to act as your DPOA and medical poa. Most at home recommendations simply involves eating a healthy diet, getting exercise, staying social and keeping the mind active. I would caution you not to take these too seriously. These are obviously important for anyone, but if these things become a strain or fight, I would suggest he do what he enjoys. I would recommend reading and learning all you can about dementia. Your approach with him when difficult situations arise can make a huge difference. Ask questions here or search a topic and read old posts. You tube has some great videos, Teepa Snow and careblazers are very good. You might want to consider asking the doctor about your husband driving. This is a very difficult topic. If there is a dementia diagnosis it’s possible your insurance won’t cover if there were an accident. It might be best for you if you can put the blame on the doctor vs taking the decision on yourself and taking blame, feeling guilty and worrying if you took the keys too early. I will attach a few resources that might be helpful.

Tam-Cummings-LLC-Handouts (2).pdf

understanding-the-dementia-experience.pdf

Anosognosia and Dementia - AgingCare.com.pdf

SDianeL · May 28

welcome. Sorry about your DH diagnosis. For early onset there are infusions. They only slow progression by a few months and there are side effects. Not everyone qualifies. Talk to the Neurologist. Unfortunately doctors aren’t much help. This is the best place for support. Come back often. Dont wait to get your legal papers in order. Some forms of Alzheimer’s progress more quickly. It depends on the area of brain affected. 💜

sewloved · May 29

Thank you for the information

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