I have read many of the posts on here and I am full of admiration for how you are all coping. I feel guilty for saying this but I am truly petrified of what the future holds for my partner and me. He (aged 78) was diagnosed with Vascular Dementia approximately 2 years ago and, until recently, it has only been his short term memory which has been affected. I have been able to manage this and our lives have continued much as before the diagnosis. He has accompanied me on shopping trips; we`ve been abroad on holiday; he has gone for walks alone without any problems, and I have been able to go out to play golf a couple of times a week. I think that in many ways I have been living in a fools paradise, believing that is as bad as it will get! Now it is apparent his condition is deteriorating as his memory problems are worsening, his bouts of confusion are increasing and there have recently been short bursts of hallucinations. He is adamant that there is nothing wrong with him and even demanded I get him another diagnosis! Although we have told his sister and daughters of the dementia he flatly refuses to allow me to tell anyone else, although I guiltily confess to having shared the fact with a couple of my close friends. I have read how the Dementia will probably develop and I am worried sick as to how I will cope (I am 75 with a couple of health issues). He is quite a large man and I can not begin to think how I will physically be able to wash and dress him, and the thought of him becoming incontinent makes me feel sick. I feel terrible for saying that but it is the truth. Sadly there is no other family member I can call on for support. His sister lives half way round the world and his daughters live a couple of hundred miles away and all have very busy and important jobs. The thought of contending with whatever the Dementia brings, together with the thought of becoming isolated in our home as I eventually find myself unable to leave him alone at all is truly petrifying.