Follow
Share

My spouse has dementia. We found out last year that he is early stages, but in this last year he has forgotten more, has more difficulty figuring things out, but still can do everyday tasks and drive. Has trouble with words. I know I’m being vague, but it’s so much that I am everywhere with I want to say. So in short, how do I deal with the changes as sometimes it’s like I’m around a completely different person?

Find Care & Housing
He should not be driving. He has trouble with words and he has difficulty figuring things out. This means he is a danger to unsuspecting innocent people who are also on the road driving. You do realize if he doesn’t get into a wreck or drive the wrong way on the road that he will likely get lost one day and what will you do when that happens? Getting lost while driving happens in the early stages and is often times the first sign of dementia.

it doesn’t answer your question, and hopefully someone will be by soon to help with that.
Helpful Answer (3)
Reply to Bulldog54321
Report
MG8522 Jan 22, 2025
If he causes a car accident, your insurance may not cover it.
(1)
Report
See 1 more reply
You "cope" by taking one day, one minute and sometimes even one second at a time.
You also "cope" by taking care of yourself in whatever ways you can, as you matter too in this equation. And this should include getting involved with a caregiver support group either in person or on Zoom.
Then you "cope" by not allowing your husband to drive AT ALL, as someone driving with dementia is no different than someone driving drunk or high on drugs.
You would feel terrible if your husband would kill or injure some innocent person because you allowed him to drive. Plus you could be sued and lose everything if it were to be found out that he was driving after being diagnosed with dementia.
This is not an easy journey that you are on with your husband, but you will survive, and will come out of it a better, stronger, and more compassionate, and empathetic person when it is all said and done.
So hang tight as this too shall pass.
Helpful Answer (3)
Reply to funkygrandma59
Report

This is very painful and I sympathize. You can find support groups both in person and online, for families of people with dementia and for spouses of people with dementia, both general groups and groups based on the particular form of dementia. I suggest trying a few until you find one or more that fit well. Try them each more than once, since it's a new world and can feel so bewildering.
Helpful Answer (2)
Reply to MG8522
Report

Take time to grieve that your relationship with your husband is not the same as it once was. It takes time to accept this. You are not alone, and I hope you can find a support group or spiritual advisor (if you are religious) or a therapist who can walk you through this difficult time.
Helpful Answer (1)
Reply to YaYa79
Report

Ask a Question
Subscribe to
Our Newsletter