My 59 year old husband has just been diagnosed with MCI.
As a family, we had noticed subtle changes the past 2 years, but chalked it up to aging.
He then had weight loss surgery last December. His memory issues, confusion & agitation have gotten a lot worse after the surgery. He is still working full time, but I don't know how long he will be able to hide his difficulties.
I am frustrated, worried, scared ...... I don't even know where to begin.
Any advice ?
Not all people with MCI move on the dementia, but many do. So the time is now to do everything for his health that could possibly reverse symptoms. Work closely with a physician, but also, perhaps, a nutritionist.
Please update us when you can,
Carol
Some studies have shown that lifestyle changes with nutrition, diet and exercise may - I have to emphasize may - help reverse MCI or at least keep it from getting worse in some people. Good lifestyle changes never hurt.
Take care,
Carol
He is young enough to be a candidate for Early Onset Alzheimer's (EAOD). I suggest that you obtain a complete family history at least at far back to his great grandparents to see if they had any signs of dementia). Secondly, I suggest you keep a strict log of his behavior, so that you and your doctor can see trends in it. Keeping a log is often difficult when so many other things are going on with your husband. But it does not need to be in perfect prose; just jot down unusual behaviors by date. This will help your doctor to see a progression in his behavior. Also, learn all you can about EOAD so that you can watch for its symptoms. A good DVD is the "The Sum Total of Our Memory." which shows three everyday couples coming to grips with Alzheimer's Disease. You can buy it at www.thesumtotalmovie.com I suggest this because you will learn so much about the progression of EOAD and how those with this diagnosis feel about their disease.
I suggest you find out about his performance reviews at work. Memory problems often show up at work. Often his co-workers see memory loss more clearly than family members. If his performance reviews have been declining, then his company may try to terminate his employment.
You should investigate your husband's employee benefits and retirement plans. If you can accelerate contributions to a 401K or similar program, then do so. If he is no longer able to work, then you will need to tap into existing resources. I urge you to cut down on all unnecessary expenses and pay down your credit cards if you have them.
If you live near a memory clinic or center for AlZ research, then I would obtain a second opinion from it because they have better diagnostic tools. A memory clinic can offer better ongoing support if you should need it. For example, a former client (with EOAD) was acting aggressively, and her paranoia was increasing. Her children had her admitted to a specials unit at John Hopkins University Hospital for two weeks. The physicians adjusted her medications. Now she is even-tempered again. Of course, you don't need this level of support now or perhaps ever. But learning about these resources in your area could be helpful later on.
Even though I know about EOAD through experience, I urge to consult a financial planner and an elder care attorney to help you plan for the future.
All the best.
Thank you for all your input. I am reading everything I can, but having a hard time helping my husband realize what stepes we need to take for our future.
The Dr. Recommended he let me handle the finances, but Im having a difficult time getting him to let go.
He has had a full nutritional work up and nothing shows he is lacking, but my gut tells me differently. I try everything I can to get him to eat, but he just won't eat much.
2nd opinion is in a month.
PPollard, so much good advice already, but as Christine has said plan but dont worry. We spend so much time worring about what might be that we miss what is. This is a strong support network so keep coming back, update us and draw strength from the pack.
One trick I learned to help a client with memory problems was use sticky notes, on his desk, on his mirror, in his breifcase, you get the picture. They just may help him at work to keep going. Take care and know you are not alone.