Skip to main content

The first test

Rob went for a memory test recently, and he got 26 out of 30, so he passed the test.


They said he had subjective cognitive decline, but if he had gotten 25, or lower, he would have gotten a different diagnosis.

They wanted him to see a cognitive neurologist, but Rob said no. He did agree to come back in a year to repeat the test.

Rob has been experiencing a lot of the things, for a few years - some days better, some days worse.

They suggested that I needed to look for some support in dealing with dementia, since it is all taking a toll on me.

I am still working full-time, and worried about us losing his income if he has to stop working.

Answering the same question several times a day, trying to have a conversation without him losing track of what we are talking about, is exhausting...

Days he calls home because he can't remember how to start the car, or gives up doing things like closing the window, because he can't remember how.

Staring at the light switches, trying to figure out which one turns on the light.

I feel like I am on call 24 hours a day, and I feel so tired.

I don't know if I should continue to work so hard to protect him, or just let him fail sometimes, so others can see what I am seeing.

Comments

Popular posts from this blog

When I am sick

  I've been up all night in pain and throwing up, and he took my basin away when I finally fell asleep on the couch! I was cleaning the basin out each time so that's not his excuse. So, I woke up so nauseous, discovered it was gone and called out to him. He was just in the next room, but no response. My throat is sore and raspy, but I keep calling. Finally, after about the 10th time, he answers me, and I ask him to bring back my basin. No idea what I am talking about. Argh, I am so nauseous, my throat is so sore, but I try to explain what I need. I pat the couch next to me, explaining the basin I had right here, that you took away. Blank look... Oh, he says finally, you want a cloth. No, the basin! Before I throw up all over the couch! It's hard enough being sick and having to take care of yourself, and the dogs. He is supposed to only be in early stages

Tip #4: Keep a “To Go” kit ready and easy to grab

Tip #4: Keep a “To Go” kit ready and easy to grab Your To Go kit should include two main groups of things. Photo courtesy of Pexels. One group will include paperwork, such as: Advance health-care directives such as a Living Will and copies of the medical order forms Common medical orders forms such as the DNR (Do-Not-Resuscitate) and POLST (Physician Orders for Life Sustaining Treatment) A medication list A copy of your medical power of attorney form It’s never a bad idea to have a copy of their ID card and insurance card as well The other main group of things to put inside of your To Go bag are items that will make the ER visit less boring for you and for your person — things that might make you both more comfortable. For you, items like a phone charger, book, snacks and water — maybe a small travel blanket or neck pillow. Also pack a pen or pencil and pad of paper to take notes and document important things. For your person, take something that makes them comfortable or reminds t...

When do you decide about starting meds?

When my husband was diagnosed with FTD, the dr offered meds for memory and for behavioral. My husband declined, and I agreed. We rarely take meds for anything. The memory clinic recently asked for a 6 month update, and I sent them a list of how he has been acting. Most of the time he is fine, cooperative, and reasonable. But he has moments, like yesterday, I didn't turn the corner quick enough for him while driving, so he yelled at me and then refused to talk to me for the rest of the day or do anything for himself. Another time I wouldn't change lanes when he wanted me to, so he didn't speak to me for the rest of the day, and took off as soon as we got home. Fortunately he only went to McDonalds, and I could track him with the Life360 on my phone. Or the time I wanted out of the store when it was packed with Christmas shoppers on a Sunday, figuring I could come back during the week when it was less crowded, he didn't speak to me for 2 days, refused to eat and went to ...