Thank you Lauren, i have had the same experience. I suppose it is both a blessing and a curse. It does make it harder for the caregiver sometimes.

My husband blames his memory issues on anything other than Alz.. Oddly enough, a few weeks ago when we were still awake at 2:00 a.m., we had tea in the kitchen and he was absolutely clear-headed and actually asked questions about the Alz. The next night, same thing at 2:00 a.m.; he asked questions, I answered them without saying that it is a terminal illness. Those were the only times he asked any questions and is back to denial again. No point in forcing him to acknowledge it as it will only make him more agitated.

My dad is told on different occasions his diagnosis and thanks to this disease, ( meant harshly) he forgets what we tell him.

My wife was devastated when we got the diagnosis 3 1/2 years ago, but now we talk about ALZ together and with others. I'd say it depends on the person. You know your Mom better than anyone, so be comfortable with how you tell her or don't - also, she may know more than you think she does, but just doesn't want to say it out loud

Mom says when she quit working so did her memory. We have not told her the diagnosis of ALZ. She has difficulty with short term memory so telling her would just upset her for the moment. Trying to focus only on the positive.