I have "extreme hardening of arteries in the brain". Also. "multiform" stenosis, as per my neurologist, and my extensive MRI of the head and neck.
Given that fact and my indications over the last 6+ years, I am told by my doctors I have some sort of early dementia symptoms.
I've done a lot of research on my own about this and I agree with the finding. I'm cool with it, ok? It is what it is, and that's that.
Over the last several months, I've told my family about what it is and what it will be later on. Close friends, too.
In short I tell them that I am who I've always been now, but very soon I won't be that person. So don't be surprised when it happens, OK? I don't want this thing to be like pulling a rabbit out of a hat already.
My wife of 29 years is on board and we have no children. My sisters and their husbands and their children are also in the loop, God bless them all.
I'm writing here thinking I could/should do more, but right now I don't what that would be. If you have thoughts or observations or whatever, please let me know.
Good for you for recognizing that planning is needed. It will make it so much easier for your loved ones later on.
https://www.agingcare.com/Blogger/Rick-Phelps
The fact that you can be open and honest about the disease and others can be open with you will soften the road for this journey.
I take it that the condition you have is intracranial artery stenosis? And that is a factor in your dementia, which would be called what -- vascular dementia?
Let me caution you as you browse around these threads. In most cases you are looking at worst-case-scenarios. People who are caring for someone whose dementia symptoms are easy to cope with are less likely to be on a forum like this. Also be aware that we write about a huge variety of symptoms and no one person has all of the symptoms!
This is a new journey that you and your wife are on. I wish you both all the best.
It would seem the important thing is to have a plan of treatment outlined with a doctor you trust. Even then, you don't really have a way of knowing how bad/not-so-bad your outbursts will even be. You really have to let your loved ones make those decisions for you, don't you?
I appreciate you wanting to know more about the specifics before things progress but the thing is -- there are many different ways that memory loss affects the individual. You're trying to guess your future. I don't think you can do that here. Trying to predict a disease that has countless manifestations of behavioral change... I don't see how you can truly do that when you have no way of knowing how the disease symptoms will manifest in your behavior yet.
There isn't a single symptom you'll have that someone else hasn't had, though! That should be encouraging to you. There are experts online, like Teepa Snow, whose entire life's work and information on dementia is laid out in variety of places online.
Growing up, I had a 'flash temper' that came and went in just a few seconds. Very vocal and overt, like a flash of lightening. My father had them, too. As many years passed, these episodes became infrequent but never entirely went away.
Over the last year or two, I'm become more aware of these occurrences. Seconds after, I realize how hurtful and harmful they can be, and I always apologize. Even so, I think I'm keeping keeping a lid on it.
I assume these anger episodes will maybe happen more frequently in the future.
What can I (we) do about this?
Tonight my wife and I will attend a wedding-related BBQ, the first big confab since beginning my quiet disclosure a few months ago. (The first of many more upcoming shindigs.)
I'm sure all will go well considering the high quality of everyone there and their nature. After all, I know (most) of them!
I believe there is a young man who started a blog and support group as he navigated early onset Alzheimer's
Not sure if this would be something you're interested in reading or not
My suggestion would be to enjoy whatever you and your wife like and to visit with an attorney to make sure paperwork and any advance Medicaid planning can be done so
Your wife will have an easier journey with you
I offer my deep sympathy on the diagnosis and I admire your bravery for tackling things head on and in a proactive way while you're able to. Best of everything to you and your family.