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He was diagnosed in June. He is on 5 mg of Aricept and seems status quo...but...when we go somewhere out of the ordinary, he seems much more confused etc. why is this? We came home from 5 days up north and he is much better since returning home and his dogs. Will it hurt him if we take an occasional trip to see our kids for holidays, etc? Guess I wonder if it will damage his "status quo" if that makes sense. Thank you.

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My Dad is 85 with mild to moderate dementia. He has little short term memory but still fairly good long term memory. Anything other than the familiar is very difficult for him. He can't learn or remember anything new. He is uncomfortable in any new place, new people or changes in routine.

Each case is different but Dad is pretty typical from what I know about dementia. Even though might say they'd like to go here, see that, visit brother Bob, it's not always the best thing for dementia people. And keep in mind your husband is probably going to forget most of the events of a trip or visit.

Use your judgement. I feel keeping Dad happy and calm is the important for me even if that means a little distraction or fibbing.
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...even though THEY might say......
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Welcome!
Can you tell us how old your hubby is? Perhaps what "stage" the doctor felt he was in?

Alzheimers loved ones are more "secure" in familiar surroundings. It is their comfort zone. From my experience the longer that person is IN the surroundings as well as the same person, they tend to remember that/those longer. Example, I took care of my mother 3 solid straight years, although near the end she didn't quite know who I was, however, since I'd been with her those years she was comfortable and felt secure with me. Now, my brothers who rarely visited her, well, she had no clue who they were and became anxious.

As far as damaging his status quo, well, as time slips by it will be damaged no matter what. Use your judgement when taking trips...

Wishing you all the best and please post often, it does help.
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he is 78 and I think they said moderate to severe. You said as time slips by his status quo will be damaged no matter what. Deep down I know that but hold onto a long time for that to happen. Is there anything we can do to prolong that? Why do some go rapidly and some take longer? I know I sound confused myself, but this is all so new. I have read a couple of things on Alzheimers and am on this website, it does help but sometimes it is frightening as well. Thanks everyone for being there.
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Jeanette, So true! Routines and familiar places are comforting. Mom gets real skittish if visitors are coming. She just wants me or my sister around. Social withdrawal was probably one of her first symptoms.
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