My Husband's diagnosis has been updated by his neurologist, as Amnestic Alzheimer's. Is anyone familiar with this? His short term memory is 5 minutes, then all is forgotten. He is cognitive in the moment, but does not remember those moments. I am still able to work 2 days outside the home, 2 days from home, a four day work week.
He has been prescribed Sertraline for his crippling anxiety, panic/fear. The medication, I feel, is causing his REM sleep (kicking in his sleep) to become worse. Seeking support and information from anyone experiencing same. I see him declining with memory, intermittent confusion. Love him so much and want to do the very best I can. He is 10 years older than I, thus my need to continue to work and provide. Thank you.
About eight years after my husband started on his journey he began to get up in the morning, after a full nights sleep, only to take short morning naps after breakfast, and then a long afternoon nap after lunch. He's been taking Sertraline every morning since then, these last 5 years. Although he can be mule headed at times, my husband has always been and still is a gentle soul, this may be relevant to his reaction to Sertraline which, in his case, is that it keeps him awake through out the day without agitation.
Btw, years before being diagnosed, but not at the very beginning of our marriage, he was already mildly, sporatically, quaking every night while sleeping. Just before Sertaline he was quaking a bit more strongly and a little more often so this already progressing action may not be connected with this drug as much as the disease but since he's taking it he still quakes and now kicks sometimes too.
We got my BIL some popits it helps with movement and keeping doing other things beside just watching tv. We also have ring cameras in his apartment for watching him because he likes to eat and drink what he isn't suppose too. Also it helps with giving medication to him because he lives alone.
Are you his POA for medical, financial? Its time to get everything set up so it will be easier when you need these items. I am my BIL's representative payee for social security and have been now for 5 yrs.
Prayers
Some things that you should do if you haven't already:
Consult an Elder Care Attorney. Make sure all your papers are in order. Advance directives, POLST, If you are not POA it might be a bit late. Hopefully everything is in both your names, if not it can make things difficult later.
If your husband is a Veteran check with the local Veterans Assistance Commission to see if he qualifies for any help, benefits from the VA.
Look into Adult Day programs. This would get him out of the house and supervised for several hours during the day. I did 3 days a week with / for my Husband and it was a sanity saver. As he declined and could no longer go to Adult Day Care I had to hire caregivers that would come a few days a week for 6 hours or so.
Check with your local Senior Center or local Area Agency on Aging and see if there are any services that he would qualify for.
*and a side suggestion...since you work in a hospital ask a Social Worker there if they have any other suggestions for you.
*and because it is me and I am such an advocate....consider Hospice. You really do not have to worry about "6 months or fewer" as long as there is a documented continued decline he would be recertified for Hospice. My Husband was on Hospice for almost 3 years.
I can recommend a good book for you to read by Diana Friel McGowan, “Living in the Labyrinth,” A Personal Journey Through the Maze of Alzheimer's. This book is a first hand biography which you may find enlightening.
I also suggest you read this 33 page booklet (which is a free download) which has THE best information ever about managing Alzheimer's Disease and what to expect with an elder who's been diagnosed with it.
Understanding the Dementia Experience, by Jennifer Ghent-Fuller
https://www.smashwords.com/books/view/210580
Jennifer is a nurse who worked for many years as an educator and counsellor for people with dementia and their families, as well as others in caring roles. She addresses the emotional and grief issues in the contexts in which they arise for families living with dementia/AD.
The full copy of her book is available here:
https://www.amazon.com/Thoughtful-Dementia-Care-Understanding-Experience/dp/B09WN439CC/ref=sr_1_2?crid=2E7WWE9X5UFXR&keywords=jennifer+ghent+fuller+books&qid=1657468364&sprefix=jennifer+ghent%2Caps%2C631&sr=8-2
She also has published a workbook entitled, “It Isn’t Common Sense: Interacting with People Who Have Memory Loss Due to Dementia.”
https://www.amazon.com/Isnt-Common-Sense-Interacting-Dementia/dp/1481995995/ref=sr_1_4?crid=2E7WWE9X5UFXR&keywords=jennifer+ghent+fuller+books&qid=1657468655&sprefix=jennifer+ghent%2Caps%2C631&sr=8-4
As far as you're concerned, you need to think about getting in-home care for your husband while you're gone at work, and for when he progresses. Think about Memory Care Assisted Living if the time comes when you can no longer manage his care at home. Having a plan in place is always a good idea. AD is a family disease and affects you as much (if not more) than it affects him. You need respite so you can care for yourself during this journey, too.
Wishing you the best of luck