What is Dementia
Dementia is the progressive decline in cognitive function due to damage or disease in the brain beyond what might be expected from normal aging. Particularly affected areas may be ...
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Really in need of some back up
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My husband had a massive stroke 7 years ago. Although they never thought he would get out of bed again, he did and has been doing well except, I noticed about 3 years ago that he began repeating the same questions (not all of the time) and repeating stories from his day. He has seemed very disinterested in doing anything but sleep when he's not working. He has uncharacteristic personality changes that don't seem to stay. They just are little burst of anger for no reason. Or negativity. He doesn't speak of anything positively anymore. He often forgets words and either substitutes or skips them when talking. He absolutely can not take care of his bills and check book for his business. He bounces checks all of the time and when he does, it's the automatic withdrawl that is causing it (according to him). Yesterday I was doing the weeks laundry and discovered that he only 2 pair of underware in the wash. So, I'm confused as to whether he only wore 2 pair of underware in a whole week or has he done something else with the rest of them?
I have taken him to the doctor. About a year ago. The doctor told me that I have real concern, but he didn't think the dementia diagnosis fit right now. This is the same doctor that diagnosed him with "only" a kidney infection the day before his stroke. My husband thinks this doctor hung the moon and won't get a second opinion, and the doctor refused to give us a referal to a neurologist. He said they would only find the old strokes that we know are already there. Can anyone tell me if this sounds like dementia to you, and if so, how far along might he be? Any help is appreciated. I'm desperate for someone who believes what I am positive I know. Posted on 11/02/09, 04:11 pm |
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From what you describe, yes, absolutely, there is something serious going on. He needs to be evaluated by a neurologist as soon as possible. If it is dementia then the Namenda and the aricpet will help and the earlier the better. He could possibly be having small strokes (which don't show up in tests), TIA (google TIA for more info). His stroke could be having residual effects. He is only hurting himself if doesn't want to get a second opinion. My dad didn't go to the doctor when we asked him and six months later he was dead. I am not trying to scare, really, I am trying to straight and honest. My husband's ALZ started in a similar way.
Here is a link to a site that gives very good descriptions of the stages. http://www.alzinfo.org/clinical-st...#7 
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Thank you so much for your reply. It really helps to have someone who's been there provide a little back up. The doctor and many websites I have read tell me that his stroke will most likely cause him to have dementia. However, fighting against him and his doctor for help has been a struggle. I have suspected that he may be having smaller strokes, I also get nowhere with that. My husband is so afraid of death that he won't even discuss these matters. I guess ignoring them is better in his mind. Although, denial is part of it, right. I will check out the websites you gave me. I really appreciate your help.
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good luck and yes, denial is very much part of it
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