Hi
@Ferdreno and welcome.
I was 60 when I first noticed that my wife was having problems. It took another 2+ years of firstly trying to ignore it (she didn't see that there were any problems), then trying to get her to go to the doctors. Then finally, a diagnosis in early 2014.
I remember the early months/year was a mixture of fear, panic, anger (why us?), sadness and I just wanted to run away! I found it very hard dealing with the fact that even though we were told what type of dementia she had (FTD), no-one could predict exactly how it would develop, or how long the journey would be. The words that stuck were "it is a terminal disease"!
It has been described on Talking Point as "anticipatory grief", which is pretty much what you go through? I found that by reading up about dementia (something I was very reluctant to do, initially) and especially joining Talking Point, I have learned a huge amount about coping with my new role as a carer.
You do not say where you are based but as well as searching out online information about dementia, seek out what support organisations are available locally. The single best thing I did was to find a dementia coffee morning nearby. Meeting other carers gave me the insight I needed to start my journey and helped me feel less alone.
When and if you are ready to share more of your story, the lovely people here will be happy to help.
Best wishes.
Phil