Hi
@Lilstar , I feel so sorry for you and your daughter as I know exactly how you feel, what should be a time of celebration ends up with a black cloud over it. My husband's personality has been changing gradually over the past 8 years, affecting his decision making, reasoning, empathy and lack of interest in anything at all.
2 years ago our 31 year old married daughter, with a house and career announced that she was pregnant. Whilst we were all dancing around with excitement , her dad/my husband sat there and in a gruff voice said "I'm not old enough to be a grandad" ( he was 66), my daughter was really upset at his behaviour. When challenged on this his response was "its only a joke"!! Even after our grandson was born I've heard him say to neighbours "it's OK now he's here, but I've had my doubts "!
2 years on , an MRI, PETCT, the neurologist suspects Frontal Lobe dementia , but wants to do a psychoanalysis test as he doesn't tick every box..
The neurologist showed us the MRI which showed a large black area in the middle of his forehead (twice the size it should be), this somehow has helped me a little as its a tangible piece of information that says there is a physical problem with his brain and not down to his "personality"...
Mind you it hasn't stopped me loosing the plot when he keeps asking the same question
The 'empathy' aspect of dementia is a funny thing. My wife is some 5 years post diagnosis and still has what I would call 'in the moment' empathy. However, her inability to make new memory means that nothing is remembered so that empathy goes AWOL.
I have found that my wife still has the lovely personality she always had but that the characteristics that made the complete person she once was have evaporated.
Like
@Lawson58, I have long ago given up on meaningful conversations so have just