brunswickdove,
Hi. You need to do as much research, ask tons of questions, and find support groups to help you. Find out what dementia category your husband fall under.
...Read Morebrunswickdove,
Hi. You need to do as much research, ask tons of questions, and find support groups to help you. Find out what dementia category your husband fall under.
Dementia is a broad term of memory loss, it can be Alzheimer's, brain damage (tumors, strokes, injury), Parkinson's, Huntingtons, etc...
Dementia is loss of mental abilities that causes problems with daily activities, it is not a specific disease. Causes of dementia is reaction to medication, painful emotions, vision problems, difficulty hearing nutritional deficiencies, infections, tumors, harding of the arteries, short term memory loss, inability to think problems through, confusion, difficulty concentrating, changes in personality are reversible.
Alzheimer's is continuous shrinking of brain tissue, problems with memory, thinking, reasoning and judgement skills, changes in behavior and personality, family history, recent memory loss that affects job or home life performance, difficulty performing familiar task, problem with language, problems with time and place, wandering, misplacing things, poor judgement, the damage is not reversible.
Early stages: trouble remember events and conversation, poor judgements, disorientation in familiar surrounding, withdrawal from social situation.
Middle stages: more difficulties in behaviors, anger, suspicion, paranoia, wandering, violent behaviors, hallucinations, loss of all time and places, increase need of personal care, may not recognize family and friends.
Late stages: inability to communicate, loss of ability to walk, inability to recognize people, places, and objects, weight loss due to inability to swallow, loses control of bladder and bowels.
I care for my 86 yr old mom with "Dementia" 24/7, as stated by her doctor. Doing the research, I found she had classic middle/late stages Alzheimer's. I'm sorry to overwhelm you, but I wished someone told me what I was in or at least given the heads up on what to look for. Individuals with Alzheimer's become a two year old child who weighs over 90 lbs., without the ability to learn, and continue to regress.
Please find a "Senior Day Care" in your area, "Assisted Living" or "Board and Care" specializing in Alzheimer/Dementia memory care when you need respite. You can leave your love one at Senior Day care for a couple to several hours during the day as many days as needed just to get rest and time for yourself. "Assisted Living" or "Board and Care" are great when you have one no else to help you care for your love one when you need respite care for over a week, need to take a vacation or going on a business trip. Find out the requirements needed for placement-Doctors evaluation, TB test, home visit evaluation, etc...
Support groups are great, find one in your area or keep posting, you will learn a lot from caring individuals going through the same problems. Keep your interest up as crafts, reading, exercise, gardening, etc.. it really helps you through tough times. Always take time for yourself.
Take care, and best wishes.