Dear Wcolpitts, Let me begin by saying your seem to be dealing with your diagnosis with courage and strength. I hope you can find some encouragement in that. Many families have the opposite problem where the family members are trying to get a loved one to not deny their diagnosis. As to why they are responding to your diagnosis this way, a few things come to mind. As you may know, denial is one of the responses to grief, which they may be experiencing as they face the uncertainty of what's ahead for all of you. They could be grieving for you and what you may lose, as well. As was said in the other response, they could also be scared - of a future they hadn't imagined or planned for, as well as not knowing how to meet your needs and best care for you. Could you speak with your physician or nurse and ask for a referral to a local Dementia or Alzheimer association and call them for information on how to talk to family members. There may be a volunteer who can meet with all of you to lead them through a conversation to prepare for what's ahead. If that's not an option or isn't a path you're interested in, you could also talk with your family yourself, beginning with telling them that you understand that this is difficult for them but you want and need their support to help you make a plan for your and their future. Attending some support group meetings either together or on your own, even if it's only a few times, may also help all of you navigate this change. I wish you the best and send my hope that they can grow into supporting you with what's ahead.
Would you like to say a little more about what is happening?
At the moment, the answers to your question could range from: because they are too scared to face up to them, all the way through to because you don't in fact have dementia. We have absolutely no way of telling.
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Let me begin by saying your seem to be dealing with your diagnosis with courage and strength. I hope you can find some encouragement in that. Many families have the opposite problem where the family members are trying to get a loved one to not deny their diagnosis. As to why they are responding to your diagnosis this way, a few things come to mind. As you may know, denial is one of the responses to grief, which they may be experiencing as they face the uncertainty of what's ahead for all of you. They could be grieving for you and what you may lose, as well. As was said in the other response, they could also be scared - of a future they hadn't imagined or planned for, as well as not knowing how to meet your needs and best care for you. Could you speak with your physician or nurse and ask for a referral to a local Dementia or Alzheimer association and call them for information on how to talk to family members. There may be a volunteer who can meet with all of you to lead them through a conversation to prepare for what's ahead. If that's not an option or isn't a path you're interested in, you could also talk with your family yourself, beginning with telling them that you understand that this is difficult for them but you want and need their support to help you make a plan for your and their future. Attending some support group meetings either together or on your own, even if it's only a few times, may also help all of you navigate this change. I wish you the best and send my hope that they can grow into supporting you with what's ahead.
WRC
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At the moment, the answers to your question could range from: because they are too scared to face up to them, all the way through to because you don't in fact have dementia. We have absolutely no way of telling.
Have you made plans for your future? If not now is a good time to find a facility that you can be well cared for in.
Have you finances to pay for your care? If not start the Medicaid application now so you will have everything lined up for when you need care.
Find a support group to help you navigate this journey and prepare yourself for an unpredictable future.
I am very sorry that you have this awful diagnosis, it is very difficult for everyone. Hugs!