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My husband, age 74 seems to be acting strange. I am out of town at my daughters and in trying to get a hold of me, he called her cell 3 times and left a message to call Dave, NOT call your Dad!! When questioned about it, he had no explanation except that he thought she could get me to call him. He didn't seem to understand that I was asking why he didn't say, this is Dad, have Mom call me. Can anyone tell me the very first signs of dementia? Both his parents had Alzheimer's and I am concerned. TIA

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callen3x, this could be as simple as your hubby was thinking he was calling your cellphone, if you have one. Or if hubby had recently retired from a job, he could still be in the office mode of communications. Nothing to worry about. Or he didn't have a good night sleep, that can make one feel foggy.

Now, start worrying if he gets in the car and forgets how to drive it before turning on the car on. Or he refuses to bathes for weeks on end. Or he forgets how to use the toilet.
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Thanks everyone, guess the consensus is that I should not worry yet. I tried to think of other examples, jeannegibbs, but I am at a loss (maybe I'm the one with dementia sure hope not!) Seems like we are having a difficult time communicating lately, but after 37 years, I guess that should be expected.
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It is good that you are aware and tuned in. This episode in itself would be something I'd put on the back burner, but would keep an eye out for other blips and then look at all those things collectively. I agree with what others said that there is no one-size-fits-all measure for figuring it out. I would stay tuned into personality changes too, episodes of confusion, getting lost in familiar places.
I've noticed certain medications, medications not taken correctly, or stressful situations can bring on something like that too. Just continue to stay aware.
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My husband will often say to one of the kids he is on the phone with "Do you want to speak to Veronica again?" We are not a family that uses first names. Although i do not mind at all be called by my first name rather than Mrs. I kinda like it when some one says "Ms Veronica"
Now aside from whether he has early dementia or not is a seperate question
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The first signs of dementia vary by the type of dementia, and then vary from individual to individual. For example, hallucinations might be the first symptom noted in LBD, but not in ALZ. Callen, if your husband has other signs of early dementia then this may be part of the dementia. But by itself I don't think it is a sign.

I remember my mother being very embarrassed to give her maiden name when asked her name by some business. Weird. But she didn't develop dementia until 50 years later, so I don't think that was an early sign.

We all have brain hiccups once in a while. I'd watch for other signs, though. In what way has he been acting "strange?" What are some other examples?
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