I'm really concerned that my husband's behavior isn't from normal decline that comes with age, what should I do?
Get a new doctor! The symptoms your husband is demonstrating are not usually associated with natural aging but are commensurate with a dementia such as Alzheimer's (AD), Pick's, Lewybody disease, Frontotemporal Lobe or a Vascular dementia. As a caregiver, life will be much more rewarding (for both of you) if you knew what was causing the signs of this dementia. Early diagnosis allows the caregiver to deal more effectively with such areas as social, behavioral, physical, spiritual, and altered communication. Appropriate interventions can only be established when the family knows which diagnosis is causing the changes in a loved one's behavior. There may also be medical reasons why he is having so many difficulties and these causes can often mimic a disease like Alzheimer's. However, if diagnosed early enough these non-dementing processes may be treated or even reversed. Again another physician may not be so willing to suggest 'normal mental decline' is causing the problems. The behavior issues you describe must be very difficult for you to live with and caring for you is an important part of this scenario. Do find a dementia-friendly neurologist in your area and have a complete neuro-workup performed; your local chapter of the Alzheimer's Association and other professional outreach groups can help you find a good one and they will be there to support you through this probable journey. Be well. Be well.
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