Have the pharmacist, neurologist and/or PPC to review his prescription meds. Some prescription meds are linked to causing memory loss.
Eliminate any OTC anti cholinergic medications. The anti cholinergic OTC meds also cause memory loss. Benadryl is a big one but that is just one of many. There are plenty of OTC meds that do not cause memory loss. Make sure to use ones that are not in the anti cholinergic classification. You can google the list.
Yes get that paperwork done now while husband understands what is going on.
The cancer, depends on how far it has gone. I have heard it can move slowly so nothing is done early on. Its sort of just watching it. The dementia, because of early onset, may move faster. Where his Dementia is stage wise, should determine how you handle his cancer.
If the two of you haven't taken care of the legal paperwork, get it done as soon as possible. You'll need wills, powers of attornies (financial, healthcare), living wills, etc. Set up an appointment with a lawyer as soon as you can.
There is a very supportive group at the Mayo Clinic online Forums for Prostate Cancer patients and their Families/Caregivers. connect.mayoclinic.org/group/prostate-cancer/
This is a medical issue. Memory issues at this age would indicate early onset of Alzheimer's if no other reason is present. Do have full discussion of this with the medical team. I am certain they will also want to do checking to make certain there is no metastasis to the brain. I am so very sorry this has come, but you yourself are going now to need to be present for all diagnostics; there may come a time when in home management isn't possible; there is paperwork and there are decisions only you know your husband would want made for him by you when the time comes.
I would suggest that you contact the doctor for a way to get either a nurse manager or a social worker on board to guide you as you go through decisions and decide direction as things rapidly change with hubby's condition. I am so very sorry for this.
Pray. Take a deep breath and know that you're not alone. Educate yourself about not only dementia, but prostate cancer as well so you'll be better prepared for what may lie ahead. And don't be afraid to ask for help when you need it, even if it's just to get away for a few hours to do something that you enjoy, because it's important to remember that you matter too in this equation.
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Have the pharmacist, neurologist and/or PPC to review his prescription meds. Some prescription meds are linked to causing memory loss.
Eliminate any OTC anti cholinergic medications. The anti cholinergic OTC meds also cause memory loss. Benadryl is a big one but that is just one of many. There are plenty of OTC meds that do not cause memory loss. Make sure to use ones that are not in the anti cholinergic classification. You can google the list.
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The cancer, depends on how far it has gone. I have heard it can move slowly so nothing is done early on. Its sort of just watching it. The dementia, because of early onset, may move faster. Where his Dementia is stage wise, should determine how you handle his cancer.
If the two of you haven't taken care of the legal paperwork, get it done as soon as possible. You'll need wills, powers of attornies (financial, healthcare), living wills, etc. Set up an appointment with a lawyer as soon as you can.
Do have full discussion of this with the medical team. I am certain they will also want to do checking to make certain there is no metastasis to the brain.
I am so very sorry this has come, but you yourself are going now to need to be present for all diagnostics; there may come a time when in home management isn't possible; there is paperwork and there are decisions only you know your husband would want made for him by you when the time comes.
I would suggest that you contact the doctor for a way to get either a nurse manager or a social worker on board to guide you as you go through decisions and decide direction as things rapidly change with hubby's condition. I am so very sorry for this.
Educate yourself about not only dementia, but prostate cancer as well so you'll be better prepared for what may lie ahead.
And don't be afraid to ask for help when you need it, even if it's just to get away for a few hours to do something that you enjoy, because it's important to remember that you matter too in this equation.