My husband has early Alzheimer’s and knows it and is still happy. It is his personality. You know your husband best but when my husband was first diagnosed we were able to do a will, get power of attorney, living will, early Alzheimer’s medications and signed up for a clinical trial. Before COVID we were in support groups, one for early Alzheimer’s patients and another for caregivers. They were wonderful .My husband can still participate in his group on zoom. We can watch his diet and supplements. I totally recommend you go on the Alzheimer’s society web page just to familiarize yourself with things you may need to know, now and eventually.
My mother suffers from advanced dementia & lives in Memory Care Assisted Living. Don't tell HER that, however, b/c she will dispute it all day long. There's 'nothing wrong' with her at ALL. Many elders are in denial about their dementia diagnosis anyway, so what's the point in telling your husband?? Be glad he's happy. My mother hasn't had a happy day in her 94+ years on Earth.
Wishing you the best of luck with the situation. The others have given you some great advice about getting your legal matters lined up. Enjoy your days together and take them one at a time, that's your best bet.
And I agree as well, not to tell him. Most folks with Alzheimer's/dementia eventually realize that something is not quite right, so enjoy this period of bliss while it lasts. If he does begin to realize that something is amiss, you may at that time have to discuss with him what is going on, but until then I wouldn't worry about it. My husband was diagnosed with vascular dementia(which is the most aggressive of all the dementias, with a life expectancy of 5 years)in July 2018, and I never shared that with him, and he died Sept. 2020. I do agree with the others that you should now get your "ducks in a row" as far as all the legal documents you will need, as once he's too far along in his dementia, it will be too late. God bless you and your husband.
I wish you both peace. My mother has not been diagnosed yet, but I have noticed a big difference in her and my Grandmother passed from this disease. So I about to begin the journey with my mother and my husband helping when he can. I do not feel it is necessary to tell your loved one. I think the most important thing at this time is enjoy quality time together, be happy and have many good conversations!
I think it is crucial now, given you say this is early dementia, to get into places those things you will need, such as DPOA, living will, any Trust and Estate work that isn't done, and I believe you yourself should attend an hour of time with an elder law attorney to discuss division of assets needs for your State in case that is needed in future. In short, you have work to do. As long as you have a full workup with staging, then, it really doesn't matter, if he isn't curious, what you do about a sitdown and discuss. The family should be fully informed, and I would get input from them. And please don't start on the long fall down a rabbit hole of denial and dishonesty. It won't help and it will complicate things.
Ditto to what Daughterof1930 posted. Please make sure you both have a Living Will (Advance Care Directive) created with the input of your doctor (the lawyer just makes sure it is legal but the doctor makes sure it is realistic and personalized). Blessings to you on this journey with your husband!
I’m glad he’s happy, what a blessing. Please use this early time to be sure all legal documents are in place and have plans done for both of your futures. I don’t see a reason to discuss dementia with him, the information won’t be retained and will only cause worry. It’s far more important for you to know than him. I wish you both peace
Wishing you the best of luck with the situation. The others have given you some great advice about getting your legal matters lined up. Enjoy your days together and take them one at a time, that's your best bet.
My husband was diagnosed with vascular dementia(which is the most aggressive of all the dementias, with a life expectancy of 5 years)in July 2018, and I never shared that with him, and he died Sept. 2020.
I do agree with the others that you should now get your "ducks in a row" as far as all the legal documents you will need, as once he's too far along in his dementia, it will be too late.
God bless you and your husband.