My husband has recently turned 69.... is it possible that he could have the beginning stages of dementia?

My husband was diagnosed officially at age 55, but hindsight shows that the symptoms we chalked up to stress, commute and sleep apnea were indicators. As there is no cure yet, and no conclusive test to confirm, the time is NOW to find out about his family, to speak with doctors, take the tests and LIVE NOW. Go places, see people, take pictures. Get exercise to keep the body strong. Read everything. Educate yourself and him. But then, store all the worry and shock away. Live, laugh, share, breathe.

Yes, he could be showing signs at 69. He needs a good physical. At his age it would be a good idea anyway.

Vallol, this could be a case where hubby doesn't like aging. Or hubby is doing everything the same as in the past, but since you think he might have memory issues, you are focusing more on things that probably were the norm in the past.

As we age we do start to forget some things. I just tell myself that our brain at our age, all the filing cabinets in the brain are full, thus it just takes longer to find the information we want.... and if something is misfiled in our brain, it may take a couple days to retrieve it :) Usually I will remember at midnight !!

Every year our primary doctor gives us a battery of tests, and one test is a memory test. Is that something your doctor does? If not, ask for it.

I agree that he should be evaluated. Regardless of whether they can determine he has early dementia, sometimes called Cognitive Dysfunction at that point, there is new research that indicates there are some things that can be done to prevent, slow or reverse that decline. It is not medication; none of the approved drugs actually help. But there is some indication that dietary changes, and things like exercise can help. I am not a doctor, nor do I work for anyone who is providing this approach. I am a nurse, with a mother and both very elderly inlaws with dementia. They are too far down the path to get any help from this and because they live in facilities, I cannot really modify their diets. But for me and for my husband, I am doing a lot of reading and we are gradually changing our diets and making these other changes. It is something to consider; a somewhat alternative approach that seems to be helpful. This is not just doing puzzles and staying busy. It is a lifestyle change. I am not going to recommend any books or experts to follow; you can just google and you will find this. There is no real evidence except in some rare conditions that dementia is hereditary and I think if you live long enough, some degree of decline will happen but I am going to try to do whatever I can to avoid this in future
Good luck with your husband.

Please get an evaluation by your doctor. These can be signs of dementia, stroke, infections and/or depression.

Sadly, 75% of people 75 years old or older have some form of dementia. If it is Alzheimer's disease, there are medications that will help boost the neurochemical processes if started early. They do not work forever and not on permanently damaged nerve pathways in the brain.

Whether he has dementia or not, now is a good time to establish permanent routines. The routines help to alleviate a lot of the stress in forgetfulness. Also try establishing permanent "homes" for items in the house to make it easier to find anything. You might want to streamline or downsize the amount of belongings or items that are on display to make it easier to "find" things too.

I agree with JoAnn29.

Your husband should absolutely be checked by a doctor who can refer you to a specialist if anything is suspected. These signs can also signal a mini-stroke.

Yes, unfortunately it is - my husband first showed signs (having trouble with new task at work, remembering driving directions) at 59 and was diagnosed with mild cognitive impairment at 60. Progressed to Alzheimer’s. Have your primary care do a mini assessment and get a referral to a neurologist. I’m sorry that you and your husband are likely on this same journey. Early on, my husband was able to enjoy socializing with friends, trips, the symphony, etc. We were able to make lots of good memories.

I would make an appointment with a Neurologist. If he does not want to go, tell him that you love him very much and he just has to trust you right now. Keep a note pad and write down all the changes you have seen in him. When you go for an appointment give the list to the receptionist and ask that it be given to the Dr. before he is seen.

My husband is showing similar worrisome signs but has enough cognition to refuse to go find out if he has beginning dementia! Think your husband is willing to be tested?