Oh yes Martin, it certainly is. AD/Dementia is so frightening to the person who suffers, it seems their only form of defence is to attack.
My husband has just stormed out of the house after 6 days of relative peace, because he said I was ignoring him. He didn`t tell me where he was going or how long he`d be. he didn`t even say `Goodbye` I am too drained to get on with anything worthwhile, so I`ll just sit here waiting for him to return. He may be out for hours, and I`ll not know whether he is living or dead.
When, and if , he does come home, his mood may have changed completely, and, if that is so, and he has forgotten what happened, I will be expected to accept the change, and be `happy` again. There is no room for discussion, no apologies, and no time to allow Me to adjust.
From what I`ve read and from what I`ve heard agression is part and parcel of the condition. However much I tell myself it`s not him, it`s the illness, It doesn`t make it easier to put up with. It hurts so much to be verbally abused by someone you have shared a life with. It`s as if it was all for nothing.
Sorry to burden you with my troubles, Martin. I wish I could wave a magic wand and make all AD sufferers appreciative of their carers, but sadly, it`s not like that.
Try to be strong. Grannie G