The symptoms he has now could get worse: Confused more often. Repeats himself more often. Wants to stay in his recliner all day.
And/or he develops new symptoms: Becomes incontinent. Falls frequently. Doesn't stay in bed at night. Has trouble swallowing. Can't find his way around the house.
The spouse is the best person to tell whether things are getting worse. Either some symptoms are increasing in frequency or intensity and/or new symptoms are appearing.
Dementia gets worse over time. That is the nature of the disease. As things get worse more in-home help is usually needed. Often a care center is needed.
This is a slow process or it can be a rapid one. My husband had long slow declines then he would have a rapid one. It is sort of like watching a shore line erode, you do not notice it day to day but it can be dramatic month to month or year to year. Watch of little things. Can he brush his hair today but does not another. Will he talk on the phone today but not next week. Will he call you by name now, when in a week he might not. Is he unsteady on his feet. Bathroom accidents Does not want to shower Does not want to change clothes.
Only you know your Husband like you do. You will see the little things before anyone else. You just have to be aware of them and not tell yourself..oh he's just tired...he just did not want to shave today..he did not ..what ever it is you can not deny the little things.
Confusion with time (for example, confusing 7:00 AM with 7:00 PM), day of week, what month it is, and not remembering when important holidays are such as Thanksgiving and Christmas. Not remembering where he is living and what state, etc.
Have you both consulted with a neurologist? Has your husband been accurately diagnosed with ALZ or dementia? An experienced & knowledgeable doctor, after their exam of your husband & reviewing his symptoms can advise both of you of what is really going on. Memory concerns could be from a UTI or meds he is taking?
ALZ, dementia & memory impairments are serious & call for the "best of the best" neurologist. A consult will tell them, & you, a lot. There may be tests they will suggest as well.
You mention your husband is in denial. I think if we admit it anything out of the normal is scary & we hope it will all go away if we eliminate stress & increase our rest.
My brother with ALZ was in denial from day 1 of his diagnosis. It was his way of coping I presume. He had no interest in a support group, but, a day program became a ritual & he continues to attend.
Ask questions & educate yourself, knowledge is good & will help you in caregiving. Stay strong & focused & take care of you as well. Blessings 🌸
Also how far back in time is he living. If you ask him what did he do for his work and he gives you a job from the 1940s ( or one of his first jobs) then you know his dementia is advanced.
This is such a hard question to answer since the disease affects everyone differently. It's how Grandma 1954 explained with the shore line. You don't notice it day-to-day, but it can be dramatic month-to-month. Another explanation I heard is the person with dementia will reach a plateau and then there will be a dramatic decline and then a plateau again , etc. etc.
My mom has changed so much in one year - it's disheartening. I read your profile and you seem so overwhelmed. Please join a support group, have your husband attend a day program. It will be very beneficial.
Mom lived with me, during that time she attended a day program for people with dementia. The support and guidance I received from them was invaluable. You don't have to be alone in this.
Remember everone is somewhat differert. Many of those things mentioned my spouse has had. His has been 9 yrs & can still hit potty, eat, put puzzles, dot to dot but is losing what things are. Continue telling him you love him & you will never leave him alone so will always be safe. Tell him just ask me if if you need help. I have never told him what is wrong. Why give a downer. Jump into their world which cannot be corrected. In our world we fix. Get involved in a support group now. Read Understanding the Dementia Experience, The 36 hr day, watch Teepa Snow utube. God be with you on this journey.
Confused more often.
Repeats himself more often.
Wants to stay in his recliner all day.
And/or he develops new symptoms:
Becomes incontinent.
Falls frequently.
Doesn't stay in bed at night.
Has trouble swallowing.
Can't find his way around the house.
The spouse is the best person to tell whether things are getting worse. Either some symptoms are increasing in frequency or intensity and/or new symptoms are appearing.
Dementia gets worse over time. That is the nature of the disease. As things get worse more in-home help is usually needed. Often a care center is needed.
My husband had long slow declines then he would have a rapid one.
It is sort of like watching a shore line erode, you do not notice it day to day but it can be dramatic month to month or year to year.
Watch of little things.
Can he brush his hair today but does not another.
Will he talk on the phone today but not next week.
Will he call you by name now, when in a week he might not.
Is he unsteady on his feet.
Bathroom accidents
Does not want to shower
Does not want to change clothes.
Only you know your Husband like you do. You will see the little things before anyone else. You just have to be aware of them and not tell yourself..oh he's just tired...he just did not want to shave today..he did not ..what ever it is you can not deny the little things.
ALZ, dementia & memory impairments are serious & call for the "best of the best" neurologist. A consult will tell them, & you, a lot. There may be tests they will suggest as well.
You mention your husband is in denial. I think if we admit it anything out of the normal is scary & we hope it will all go away if we eliminate stress & increase our rest.
My brother with ALZ was in denial from day 1 of his diagnosis. It was his way of coping I presume. He had no interest in a support group, but, a day program became a ritual & he continues to attend.
Ask questions & educate yourself, knowledge is good & will help you in caregiving. Stay strong & focused & take care of you as well. Blessings 🌸
My mom has changed so much in one year - it's disheartening. I read your profile and you seem so overwhelmed. Please join a support group, have your husband attend a day program. It will be very beneficial.
Mom lived with me, during that time she attended a day program for people with dementia. The support and guidance I received from them was invaluable. You don't have to be alone in this.