Gransnet forums

Health

Dementia or old age ???

(9 Posts)
sankev Sun 11-May-25 17:20:52

I suspect my 76 year old husband has dementia. He is in poor health and has had 2 strokes several years ago. I firstly put the change down to his strokes but I now think it’s something else. Over the past two months I’ve noticed a deterioration in his memory and understanding of some basic things. He forgot how to use his inhalers, when he undressed he had a t shirt on with a vest on top then another t shirt followed by another vest underneath his jumper. He hadn’t realised he had them all on. The other problem is he refuses to accept there is a problem. Every time I broach the subject he refuses to discuss and refuses to discuss it with the GP. I’m at my wits end because I am seeing a deterioration and it seems to be happening quite quickly. Any advice would really be appreciated

kittylester Sun 11-May-25 17:29:17

You could talk to, or write to, his GP and express your concerns. If you are lucky, his HP will invite him in for a 'checkup' and do a "mini' memory test.

Is he on medication for whatever caused his stroke or is it possible he could have had a TIA?

M0nica Sun 11-May-25 18:03:09

Mnetal deterioration is not inevitable in old age, so the old age explanation goes out the window.

What he is doing is classic dementia behaviour, but you can only find out by him seeng a doctor. With the medical problems he has, he must be having regular checks with the nurse or GP, so i recommend that you do as kittyleicester suggests and ccontact your GP and express your concern

HelterSkelter1 Sun 11-May-25 18:13:37

Much sympathy sankev. It is so frightwening to see one's partner deteriorate and not to know what to do for the best when they are reluctant to "cooperate".
The advice above is good. I hope your GP can help diagnose what is wrong and offer help and advice.

supergirlsnan Sun 11-May-25 19:40:58

Sorry to hijack this thread. My husband aged 68 is often forgetful and can be confused, but more worrying to me is his personality has changed. He was a quiet, easy going man but can now be shouty . He's still working and refuses to take it easy at all. He does have some financial problems but the way he works you'd think he was penniless. Thanks for reading.

Cabbie21 Sun 11-May-25 19:50:47

Kittylester has given good advice.

I came to realise ( too late) that my late husband’s heart failure was affecting him in more ways than just his physical limitations. He experienced anxiety especially at night. He couldn’t concentrate long enough to complete a quick crossword, although he was extremely focussed as far as his complicated medication was concerned. Reduction of flow of blood to the brain caused his mental functions to deteriorate.

Katyj Sun 11-May-25 20:17:47

My DH is having memory problems too I find it very scary. He also refuses to go see the GP, probably because he’s scared too.
Just lately we’re getting lost on short trips that we’ve done many times before, he also turns the wrong way coming out of shops and doesn’t seem to have any sense of direction.
I’ve just had to remind him for the 3rd time since tea to take his tablets. It’s very frustrating for me I’m becoming very short tempered.

Wyllow3 Sun 11-May-25 20:50:27

I agree about reaching out to your GP for your support and they may have ideas how a visit could be managed.

I found this helpline - might it be something would help you?

www.alzheimers.org.uk/get-support/dementia-support-line

Daddima Sun 11-May-25 21:13:00

supergirlsnan

Sorry to hijack this thread. My husband aged 68 is often forgetful and can be confused, but more worrying to me is his personality has changed. He was a quiet, easy going man but can now be shouty . He's still working and refuses to take it easy at all. He does have some financial problems but the way he works you'd think he was penniless. Thanks for reading.

I can relate to this. My late husband first became forgetful, and unable to carry out simple tasks like pay with a bank card, but he too became agressive, getting dressed to go out in the middle of the night, seemed to accept when I said it was too dark, and we would go in the morning, but one hour later was dressing again. He was never a swearer, but by jove, he could come up with some crackers! I’d agree with getting in touch with the Alzheimer’s society, or maybe your GP could put you in touch with a local support group. I found our local one very helpful, and I had great admiration for wives and partners who had been dealing with it for years in some cases. Good luck.