My husband is 68 and has been complaining about his failing memory for years. He had a scan ten years ago, which was normal. During the last six months he has experienced new symptoms which cause me to worry. On driving to an appointment ten miles away he missed the turn and drove on for another twenty miles before turning back. Soon after this we went on holiday with a small group. He asked me not to leave him on his own because he was afraid that someone would ask him a question which he didn't know that answer to (eg he could not manage to say where we lived before we moved to our present address). He couldn't convert the currency although the exchange rate wa 10:1. He frequently complains about losing his sense of direction and last week couldn't find his way in our local town because of a diversion. When he arrived at his destination he couldn't remember how to get home.
His ablility to do simple maths is greatly reduced and last week he couldn't subtract one figure from another. His mood swings are worse than usual although he has always had a tendency to these. We went through a very bad period where he was continually angry and I couldn't do anything right. This was before I began to think seriously that he had a real problem. I told him that I would have to go away for a couple of days to have some space. He immediately changed back to his old affectionate self - he cannot bear to be on his own for any length of time.
I have been unable to persuade him to see the doctor so I went to see my GP myself and told him my fears. He has written up the information I gave him in my husband's notes and said that the next doctor to see him would prompt him to talk ablout his memory problems. Yesterday he had to go to the surgery to get results of blood tests but no mention was made of memory. The GP probably didn't get an opening.
My husband has agreed to see a doctor each time there has been an incident of disorientation but has never gone through with it. He is probably frightened too.
He says now that he will go if he gets lost again....
What else can I do? Am I panicking unnecessarily? I would appreciate any help as I feel completely helpless. Jean2
His ablility to do simple maths is greatly reduced and last week he couldn't subtract one figure from another. His mood swings are worse than usual although he has always had a tendency to these. We went through a very bad period where he was continually angry and I couldn't do anything right. This was before I began to think seriously that he had a real problem. I told him that I would have to go away for a couple of days to have some space. He immediately changed back to his old affectionate self - he cannot bear to be on his own for any length of time.
I have been unable to persuade him to see the doctor so I went to see my GP myself and told him my fears. He has written up the information I gave him in my husband's notes and said that the next doctor to see him would prompt him to talk ablout his memory problems. Yesterday he had to go to the surgery to get results of blood tests but no mention was made of memory. The GP probably didn't get an opening.
My husband has agreed to see a doctor each time there has been an incident of disorientation but has never gone through with it. He is probably frightened too.
He says now that he will go if he gets lost again....
What else can I do? Am I panicking unnecessarily? I would appreciate any help as I feel completely helpless. Jean2