My husband, a very intelligent man of 68, thinks he has ADHD, not dementia. That's ok with me. He makes up explanations for things he doesn't remember. He never did like to take my word for things. We have a young adult daughter and cats, so we are mostly happy together except for occasional snappy fights. He is starting to have trouble remembering the next step of a job. Sometimes I hover around trying to coach without nagging, but how? I have experience dealing with much older, frailer people, and can see that they can't take care of themselves. But part of me still wants him to do his share (or at least a little) of the housework. Sometimes I'm more like a bratty sister than a loving wife.
Put post it notes throughout the house that read 'SMILE', 'BREATHE', 'MOVE',
I don't care how miserable things are, there is always something to laugh at--even if it is oneself:))) Watch Pink Panther movies, Jack Nicholson, Bill Murray! OMG!!!