Have belonged to the forum for some time now but have just hung back and not gotten involved. My wife has suffered from dementia for some time now but in a mild manner. Now she has began telling me that I am not her husband, asks me who the woman is that she saw me in bed with this morning, etc. She has turned into a woman with four modes. The normal wife, the angry wife, the happy wife who remembers nothing but laughs when you answer her questions and then finally the crying wife. She also is forgetting how to do everything like cook, simple house work, take meds, etc. Been a long trip to this stage. We have been married 61 years and both are now in our 80's. Any suggestions folks on how to make life easier? Ren
It's a painful process for all. I've found being in the moment and catching that sliver of connection, whether it's accurate or not, is worth the effort. I try to soothe mom wherever she is in time and space.
I discuss this with my DH often - about him knowing who I am, etc. I am already planting the seed as "the crazy lady who takes care of him," just in case.
Maybe bring her flowers like you're courting again?
My Mom got stuck in "Crying Mom Mode". Her Dr had her go to the ER. Mom was then evaluated by a Geriatric Psychiatrist affiliated with the hospital. They tweaked her meds and her mood stabilized. She was not over medicated. Just mellow and happy.
The only thing I can suggest is getting her to the doctor to see if they can prescribe some medication to alleviate some of the mood swings.
My mom has dementia and goes through many of the phases your wife does. I try as hard as I can to take the good and leave the bad, but it is so hard. My mom is also in a facility, so I cannot imagine how hard it is to be with someone day in and day out with that type of swing.
Hugs to you and hang in there!!!