There is so much in this thread that I can relate to. My husband is exactly the same with regard to phone calls or meeting people, and can get really quite angry and verbally aggressive. As the disease takes its course and more and more care is needed I find I am not only loosing my husband, but also seem to be loosing myself.
I also wish there was some understanding that dementia doesn’t only affect the very elderly. My husband is 68 today and has had symptoms for at least 8 years. It has had a huge impact on our retirement plans and role as grandparents, as well as our finances and subsequently mental health. Being a carer for someone with dementia is a huge commitment and responsibility. I had no idea before I found myself in this place. It’s so difficult to shift understanding as unless you’ve lived with it how can you possibly know. It is a bit like having a newborn baby, not realising the toll that sleepless nights take, along with rarely being able to leave them, and the overwhelming sense of responsibility that hits you as a new parent. But parenthood comes with all the joy, fun and excitement of watching the miracle of someone developing and changing as they explore the world. Watching someone you have spent your life with unravel before you is quite a different experience.
I also wish there was some understanding that dementia doesn’t only affect the very elderly. My husband is 68 today and has had symptoms for at least 8 years. It has had a huge impact on our retirement plans and role as grandparents, as well as our finances and subsequently mental health. Being a carer for someone with dementia is a huge commitment and responsibility. I had no idea before I found myself in this place. It’s so difficult to shift understanding as unless you’ve lived with it how can you possibly know. It is a bit like having a newborn baby, not realising the toll that sleepless nights take, along with rarely being able to leave them, and the overwhelming sense of responsibility that hits you as a new parent. But parenthood comes with all the joy, fun and excitement of watching the miracle of someone developing and changing as they explore the world. Watching someone you have spent your life with unravel before you is quite a different experience.