Hi @A myALZteam Member. You have now met another milestone in this journey. When with my Mom, I was able to get her doing things by the way I phrased things.... "Would you sweep the floor while I clean up the living room?" Could you wash the dishes/ fold this laundry/ put on the coffee/ set the table/ have your shower.... so we can get out for the groceries/ have ice cream/ meet friends for coffee." I found that she did things quicker as there was only one task at a time, and could be more focused and not getting muddled with the steps between 2 tasks. Plus there was a plan for the future with a "reward" in some way in their mind.

Keep you both eating nutricious food and getting out for some exercise & socialization as this will keep you both mentally and phyically healthy. I know I could always tell that my Mom was eating well as her mind was that much sharper.

Know that sometimes there can be a hearing problem, or it feels scarey to them because they cannot remember the first step but know what the end should look like. Sometimes they loose the words that they need and so there is a gap there. Likewise, confusion can set in with Urinary infections or other infections like a cold or sore on their person, or just being slightly dehydrated. Long term poor hydrations can also lead to reduced kidney function. This is very important if patient is diabetic, as that could lead to need for dialysis.

All the best on this journey, We are all here for your successes, but especially for thise hard days.

-Sharon

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A myALZte...

Thank you all for your support. It means a lot. He is still very functional in a lot of ways. He gathers eggs, feeds and waters the chickens, we heat with an outdoor wood furnace and he is still able to tend it. He even watches our grand daughter sometimes and seems to enjoy it. I guess I should look at the glass as half full. Thanks again.

We tried games, coloring, and dolls that sing about a year ago. The aid could help for a while but it didn't last. There is no interest in anything now. Se will sit and listen to oldies music and enjoy it. Yesterday i had Roy Orbison music on and she closed her eyes and tried to sing. She didn't get much right but was trying. I cried at her effort. It is a lonely life.

We're the same way. No conversation...no interest in doing much of anything...except going to church. He asks about that every day. Our caregiver can get him to do simple games and color etc but not me. Truly a new normal. Such a lonely life.

Hi Sharon, so sorry for your predicament, but we are going through the same situation. He sits all day and watches out the window. He has been sleeping a lot lately. Brent is on an antidepressant but I’m wondering if he needs a different med. I ask him to do things he very well used to do, but now not interested. Isn’t it amazing how our lives change so much.? Know you are not alone in missing your husband. We are at 52 yrs and this is like starting all over in a different way. Hugs to you. I am adding you to our team, OK?