My husband is 63 and I am 46. My husband was diagnosed with Vascular Dementia and Early Onset Alzheimer's disease in 2014. He is still in denial and works hard to cover his memory loss and confusion in front of everyone. I take it as a good sign because the harder he tries, the more exercise his brain is getting. On the other side of that coin, I have gained a reputation of exaggerating his condition to our children and extended family.

Our physician was very explicit to get all our legal things in order - makes life easier when things go down hill. Denial has worked for my husband as well, but he did go along with all our plans for the future. The one thing he refuses to do is move to a Condo,or somewhere we wouldn't have yardwork. So far, we are managing. I think they need to keep whatever independence they have, as long as possible. It helps their mood and self-esteem. Perhaps if your doc talks with him/sam

Until fairly recently Dad did manage to pull it together in public. He's always been a capable and dignified guy, so of course he's going to try. Even family members in the next town aren't fully aware of how bad off he is, because he wants to keep his dignity. Doesn't want anyone to see what he's become, and I can't blame him for that. I could say it's like he's putting on an act, and I probably won't be wrong.

I've noticed in the late stages it's harder for him to hide his condition. Acceptance perhaps? Maybe he's getting mentally/physically unable to hide it any more? To me, his inability/unwillingness to keep hiding it is yet another sign of his decline.