It appears that doubts about my father in law losing his cognitive capabilities are becoming more evident.
What were doubts over the last year are not really in doubts anymore.
My wife and I have been married for almost 28 years.
We had a conversation yesterday about my dad who died when I was a kid.
It was covered as though it were a new topic on Thursday along with what he did for a living. Earlier today, the exact same conversation played out.

My mother in law and my wife recognizes it as well and were having a discussion about the repeated conversation and he overheard. He's not pleased about "losing his mind" as he phrased it as he recognizes it as well.
Prior to retirement, he was an engineer and has always been a fairly intelligent guy, although I never agreed with his political opinions, they were always well substantiated. by tr

It's minor things right now but I can see which highway we have turned onto.
He turns 80 next year.

 

Sad...
But,it will happen to most of us,if we live old enough.
Take good care of him;in a few years,it could be your turn...

 

Sorry to hear, Jerry. As have others around here, we've been down that road, and it's a rough one.

Many older folks tell the same story often, or ask the same question they just asked a little while ago. Heck I do that myself.

There are many issues which cause diminished cognitive capability. The doc can administer some tests in the office, which are not definitive, but can give them some information as to what may be causing his memory lapses. An appointment with a neurologist is not a bad idea. Down the line if Aricept or another med of that type is recommended, don't expect too much. Sorry to report that we saw no improvement for Rick's Mom while on that type of medication, yet, folks are too fearful of the "what ifs" to discontinue it.

The best advice I can pass along to anyone who deals with this is that you must have patience. And, when they (your loved ones) repeat themselves, over and over, or ask you the same question they asked 10 minutes ago, don't bother to correct them. They don't remember asking or they would not be asking again. You only waste your energy, and often frustrate them, if you try to remind them of the previous conversation.

Our best to Barb, this is difficult for the entire family.

 

Jerry, I understand what your dealing with. Today Rose told me about her dad and some more issues he is having. He is 86 and further down the road and sadly traveling that road now at breakneck speed. Its sad. When your younger you always think about living to 100 but when you get to 80 and you cannot even hold your bowels is it really what you wanted to live for?

 

Best wishes to you and Barb, Jerry. I'm sure it is really hard to go thru.

 

My mother is 88 and suffers from dymentia. She know my wife and I and that is about it. I have been caring for her for 31 years from the time she was bright and articulate and I have watched her condition slowly worsen over time. Her physical health is ok but her mental health is the issue. All you can do is be supportive and insure your loved ones are getting the best care available.

 

This really makes me sad. I'm seeing some things in my own life that remind me of my dad's decline. You and your wife have my sincere sympathies. It is heartwarming to know that you truly care about him. I'm sure your mother in law appreciates both of you and knows she can rely on you for emotional support in the time that lies ahead.

 

Best wishes to you.

My mother lasted with her dementia until age 85, but we 'lost' her 10 years earlier, when she no longer was herself.

I was struck by the extensive similarities of this disease among all who suffer from it - read the books available (many free) for invaluable advice on how to deal with a suffering relative.

 

I think one of the first challenges will be addressing his drivers license.
We are in the very early stages of this but I know that this will become an issue moving forward.

 

We have a similar situation. My wife's aunt who was a career woman in the foreign service has been starting to have similar issues. She is starting down the path of dementia. In the past six months she has gone from a very vibrant elderly woman, to someone who needs a chaperone to make sure that she doesn't leave the stove on, or go out driving, or to take her medications. It is very sad.