My husband is 82 and has been diagnosed with dementia for the last ten years. He can still dress with assistance, shower with assistance, and can interact pleasantly with dog walkers, neighbors, etc. for a few minutes at a time. Lately, every thing hurts him. If he bumps his arm even sightly, if my hands are too cold, if he feels a slightly rough spot on his eyeglasses, he reacts as if it's a HUGE deal. I can't tell if his skin has become super-sensitive, or he's just looking for attention. I am with him 24/7 and he gets upset if he can't see me when I'm in another room.
Mom was never screaming or moaning in pain.
She was able to verbalize "It hurts" and used that for every discomfort.
Mom would say "I'm cold" a lot and it was almost a brain loop. We kept her room at 82 degrees.
Mom had fewer words for it was easier for her to say "I'm cold" if there was a puff of wind or "It hurts."
Instead of saying "There is a rough spot on my glasses." She could verbalize "It hurts."
Instead of saying "I bruised my arm." She would say "It hurts."
And it is likely that he is needy for your attention, or at least to see where you are, as he is feeling more vulnerable. He's learning to rely on you and it might be scary when he doesn't feel that you are there. My husband is very needy, but in a different way. He is calm and quiet when I am out of sight, but as soon as I walk in the room, he starts yelling for help. Seeing me triggers him to "need" something, even if he doesn't know what. And he's very sensitive to any personal cares. Yells like he's being tortured during diaper changes, and pulls his hand away when I try to trim his nails or wash his hands. He's scared of getting wet or being touched.
It's also common for someone with dementia to become fixated on things, so that would account for some of the behaviour, such as worrying about a tiny spot on his glasses.
Being with your husband 24/7 is a lot for you to deal with. If you are able to get respite, please use it to have some rest. You matter just as much as your husband.
And your husband just wants to know that you are near even if you're in the other room, and it bothers him when he can't see you. So when you leave the room try telling him where you're going and that you will be back shortly.
I wish you well as you travel this very difficult road with your husband.