Should I be worried about DH?

I feel for you mamacaz.
I think most people, myself included, feel worried at the prospect of old age creeping up and the possibility of serious illness at some point. I think the antidote is to try to enjoy something every day, and have something to look forward to.
I wouldn’t risk a confrontation by suggesting a visit to the doctor.
But are there things that your DH is interested in, or enjoys, that you could encourage him to do or organise for him? Does he have friends that you could invite round or organise a trip to the pub for lunch? Anything really that he could look forward to and would provide some stimulation.

I best get an app with GP ASAP then. I “lose” simple words all of the time .

Luckygirl Your expression ' "watchful waiting" describes perfectly where I feel i am at right now.
I have, in passing, mentioned this to our sons. They are aware of what their dad is like, but probably haven't noticed this happening like I have. Some of the changes have been so gradual that I don't think they really remember that he wasn't always like this.
I feel as if I am waiting for an accident/incident to happen that will make it impossible to ignore this - whatever 'this'is -any longer.

When we were concerned about mum I rang the gp about our concerns before a scheduled medication check. The gp them suggested that she did a 'routine' memory check on mum who she then referred to the memory clinic.

If dh has Alzheimer's it is a good idea to get an early diagnosis so any possibly treatment can start.

MamaCaz - I think you are bound to worry. You know him best and know what is normal for him. But it also seems that challenging him - or bringing up the subject tactfully - is not going to help at this stage; and will just feed into his fear of getting older. You do not ant to be in the receiving end of his anger.

I hope that something will give you the opportunity to talk with him about this - perhaps an observation from someone else. Although I do understand about people presenting well for outsiders or wider family, whilst being difficult when the two of you are together.

I would just keep an eye on him unless things escalate, MamaCaz. You know him better than anyone else so go with your instincts.

My DH had a stroke seven years ago and although he recovered well I've noticed one or two after effects returning, like muddling up left and right and forgetting dates.

He has regular check ups for other health issues though so if I feel overly concerned I will have a chance to mention them rather than confront him first.

They don't 'arf keep us on our toes, these men!

I am fairly certain that raising the subject with him would lead to a major meltdown, and wouldn't help. I keep hoping that he will say or do something that will make it possible to raise the issue in a natural way, but so far that opportunity hasn't arisen.

Jane, just the fact that he is getting older gets him down. I am convinced that something isn't right, but really don't know if it's depression, the start of dementia, both, or something else.

That is hard for you - it could be something or nothing. Has he expressed any concern about these incidents? You are clearly worrying about either depression or dementia.

If you believe that he would not be willing to discuss these with the GP, then you are probably at this stage confined to "watchful waiting" - not a great help, but I am not sure what else you can do at the moment.

Have any other family members commented to you at all that they have noticed changes?

If he shows concern then you might have a way in to encourage him to see the doc.

My OH (who has PD) is a master in the art of the non-sequitur, as yesterday:

OH: When I was at school (in the midlands) we used to travel to the annual Oxford/Cambridge rugby match.
Me: Oh - why did you go to that match?
OH: Oh well; the PE teacher was Welsh.
Me: Ah...now I see.

We have lots of conversations like that.

Sorry you have this worry hanging over your head, and that you are having to endure the grumpiness.

I’m sorry to say it, but I would be worried mamacaz.
I think it depends on the frequency of these events. As you say, everyone has lapses of memory & struggles to find the right word occasionally, but if it’s happening a lot, or increasingly so, I’d be worried.
Are you able to talk to him about his moodiness, or talk him out of his moods?
Has there been anything going on, like loss of friends or family, that might mak him depressed?

I would march him to the doctor asap ,but then since my OH had a heart attack I'm very over protective of him and have sent him with things I'm worried about but the doctor found hilarious...for example a "lump " that the GP confirmed was ..His Breastbone ...lol.Well he had lost weight !This week I sent him with a query about aortic aneurysms as his dad had two ,the last one killed him.Doctor was very understanding and said that he will be called for a check but not to worry meantime and that he /I WASN'T WASTING HIS TIME BY BEING CAREFUL.