Connect with others who understand.

  •   Learn from expert-reviewed resources
  •   Real advice from people who’ve been there
  •   People who understand what you’re going through
Sign Up Log In
All Resources Treatments A-Z Personal Assistant Help Center Crisis
Powered By
Real members of myALZteam have posted questions and answers that support our community guidelines, and should not be taken as medical advice. Looking for the latest medically reviewed content by doctors and experts? Visit our resource section.

Is my husband apathetic/lazy/depressed.. or is this a response to the disease.. he won’t initiate anything but will begrudgingly complete i

A myALZteam Member asked a question 💭
Arizona City, AZ
June 15, 2025
 · 
Reactions

Answer Summary

Members shared their experiences with apathy and withdrawal in loved ones with dementia, describing how once-active individuals gradually lost... Read more

Members shared their experiences with apathy and withdrawal in loved ones with dementia, describing how once-active individuals gradually lost interest in hobbies, social activities, and even leaving the house, with some sitting for hours staring at blank screens or repeatedly asking to go home. Several members discussed management strategies, including mild antidepressants for depression, involving loved ones in simple tasks like folding laundry or looking at photo albums, and medication adjustments for sundowning behaviors like evening agitation and restlessness. A recurring theme was the importance of caregivers recognizing these changes as disease-driven rather than personal failures, letting go of guilt, and actively protecting themselves from isolation by maintaining their own social connections and support systems.

A myALZteam Member

Yup.. it certainly changes the lifestyle., I try to take my husband with me on errands, in the guise of wanting company.. he mostly stays in the car but at least he other stimulation.. I think

June 16, 2025
A myALZteam Member

Tomorrow is just that.. know that ‘today’ is all we can work with

June 22, 2025
A myALZteam Member

@A myALZteam Member Hello and welcome to our team - I had a problem acknowledging his behavior as disease driven in the beginning stages of my husband's dementia. I thought he slept, watched the same TV programs, didn't talk or socialize because he was bored or not going out because he was contrary; I believed it was my fault that I didn't know how to give him something close to the life he used to enjoy. In retrospect and almost 6 years later I realize that apathy, fatigue, depression and withdrawal are all in the name of the game and continue to maximize.
It doesn't bother me anymore because I know these symptoms never bother him.

June 19, 2025
A myALZteam Member

Thank you for the encouragement and ‘normalization’ of the behaviors.. I’m still learning and am conscious that I personally must ward off isolation as the caregiver.. working on it..

June 20, 2025
A myALZteam Member

My husband would get agitated and want to go somewhere or be very busy, the last summer he was at home he planted 30 +rose bushes and crepe Myrtle’s, digging the holes himself. My mother, on the other hand, the last summer she was at home seemed apathetic and depressed. Every day will be different. And probably everyone is different.

June 15, 2025

Related Questions

View All

Are Alheimer's' patients more likely to try and commit suicide?

A myALZteam Member asked a question 💭
Crystal River, FL
February 16, 2023

Is Alzheimer’s Disease Contagious? Getting the Truth
My Perspective: I Am a Caregiver
ADHD and Alzheimer’s: Is There a Connection?
Continue with Facebook
Continue with Google
By joining, you accept our Terms of Use, and acknowledge our collection, sharing, and use of your data in accordance with our Health Data and Privacy policies.
Already a member? Log In