My partner who is 80 has not been diagnosed with dementia (and is generally well) but over the last few months I have noticed 'odd' things he is doing which concern me as they may be early signs of the disease. First and importantly, his driving (previously good). He is easily distracted when driving, even tried to push his coat sleeve up to look at his watch when on the busy motorway doing 70 (the car clock is accurate and easily visible). He was also glancing over at lay-bys on the opposite carriageway which affected his lane position. He only laughed when I told him not to take his eyes off the road. And his speed varies suddenly, on whatever road. He bumps kerbs at times but laughs. Worse was when exiting a motorway, late evening so it was dark, he seemed unable to grasp where the slip road was and almost went into an embankment and big road sign. He said he had been 'trying to work it out' and when I suggested he go for an eye test he was not pleased. He said 'I will give up driving first' - which was an odd reaction and he would not expand on his reason for saying it. I have told him he is not driving again in the dark.
Also he seemed not to recognise where a shop was (we often go to it but had not been for a while) and similarly a cafe we were heading to and visit very regularly. He seemed worried at the time as he didn't know which cafe or where it was (unlike him). Plus I find he puts things away not in their usual place such as a blouse I had left to air hanging on the wardrobe door disappeared. I knew I had not put it away so I looked for it, no luck. I asked if he had seen it; he said no. Later he went to his second smaller wardrobe which I never use and told me I must have put it in there (it was pushed behind his jackets). He said he had never seen it hanging on the wardrobe to air that morning.
Now I have written the above out and read it back I feel things are worse than I thought. I have been trying to 'ignore' things. I do not know what to do now, how to broach the subject with him or if I even should. I cannot discuss it with any family member for various reasons.
I would welcome people's opinion, suggestions and advice. Thank you very much.
Also he seemed not to recognise where a shop was (we often go to it but had not been for a while) and similarly a cafe we were heading to and visit very regularly. He seemed worried at the time as he didn't know which cafe or where it was (unlike him). Plus I find he puts things away not in their usual place such as a blouse I had left to air hanging on the wardrobe door disappeared. I knew I had not put it away so I looked for it, no luck. I asked if he had seen it; he said no. Later he went to his second smaller wardrobe which I never use and told me I must have put it in there (it was pushed behind his jackets). He said he had never seen it hanging on the wardrobe to air that morning.
Now I have written the above out and read it back I feel things are worse than I thought. I have been trying to 'ignore' things. I do not know what to do now, how to broach the subject with him or if I even should. I cannot discuss it with any family member for various reasons.
I would welcome people's opinion, suggestions and advice. Thank you very much.