Do All Aspects Of Mental Power Decline At The Same Rate With AD?
Do All Aspects Of Mental Power Decline At The Same Rate With AD?
My husband was diagnosed with Alzheimer’s about three years ago. I have been told I’m “in denial” about it, but I see the things he can do (fix the lawn mower or chain saw, change a tire) as well as the things he cannot do (read, understand tv shows, remember names and nouns, use his debit card to fill the car with gas). He has trouble processing words, yes, but he still can give clear directions when we’re driving somewhere. He can do so many things! Am I in denial? I feel like if it were AD… read more
@A myALZteam Member
G’day from a bloke in 🇦🇺 who is 6+ years since diagnosed with ALZ.
Like your husband, I can still do many things I used to do and some new tricks also.
Equally, I have ceased some things I could still do (eg could drive but it poses too much risk of injuring others - like no reaction to avoid an accident).
I’m doing things like editing thousands of phots (lots taken going back to before I was born) but I struggle with mathematic calculations in my head.
As I see it, the progress on the brain is random, sometimes the changes appear suddenly; others gradually.
Stay safe … and some colour for you.
The link below is a link to a paper Alzheimer’s stages - might help you.
https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC65...
A myALZte...
When you meet one Alzheimer's sufferer you have met one Alzheimer's sufferer. Each one is different ( yet the same) also each day is different in what they can do. Yesterday mom couldn't put her shoes on the right feet.... today she put them on and tied the shoelaces. I don't think you are in denial.... I try and let mom do whatever she can for as long as she can for herself. Each day is different and I accept that.... but I know she is still suffering AD.
I'm new to having it with my partner but as a nurse I noted that most people seemed to stay at a certain level for the most part with some fluctuations in abilities, and then there would be a surge of symptoms being much worse and that was the new level. But it is so variable and several reasons for dementia. It also depends on which part of the brain is being affected at that time
Everyone is different and it is good that you hang onto the things your husband can do. In your heart you know that your husband will not always have these skills. I count my blessings with my husband ( he still can mow the lawn, play with the dogs, do a wash and take care of his personal needs) I know the day will come when he cannot but I always tell him thank you! Keep up your positive attitude.
You aren't in denial, you are simply accepting the different stages of where he's at, and that means the good and the bad. This disease has NO instructions, everything is almost always different for everyone. I'm also not sure what difference it really makes if you accept it or deny it, because it doesn't change anything that is happening in front of you. I always think of it as survival...whatever it takes to help you feel better, understanding, etc...whatever that looks like to YOU, that's what's important. Whatever you do need to do to get through each day, whatever you need to think and believe, THAT is where you're at and there is no one person, doctor, therapist, etc...that can change that view for you.
