Follow
Share
Find Care & Housing
My husband and I celebrated our 33rd anniversary yesterday. While he usually knows me, he has no memory of our time together.

Yesterday I brought an anniversary card and pizza to his care home and I told him about our life together — the property we bought, the home we built on it, and the trips we took.

I told him that we have had a good life together.

He said, “It sounds like it.”

He will have forgotten about our discussion moments after I left. But I will have this lovely memory forever.
Helpful Answer (5)
Reply to Chantel60
Report

I Know 2 people that Had a Loving relationship . He came down with Alzheimers around 2000 and when she would go visit him he would say " I dont know who You are but you always make me smile . "
Helpful Answer (4)
Reply to KNance72
Report

Have you asked him about his wife? I’m curious what he would say, but maybe it wouldn’t be a good idea if he is looking for 21 year old you.
Helpful Answer (1)
Reply to Bulldog54321
Report
MindyDink Jan 26, 2025
He tells me she left around Christmas and didn’t take anything with her. I’ve tried the photo books and he recognizes everyone. But I now think as others have mentioned he is looking for the woman from 30 years ago. She was much skinnier and didn’t have gray hair! I think I will just start referring to myself by my childhood nickname, which he never used.
(2)
Report
See 2 more replies
MIndy, oftentimes dementia causes a person to regress in time. Your husband is likely looking for you at the age you were when you got married. He doesn't recognize you now, as a 70 year old, for example, because in his mind he and his bride are 25. It may help to pull out your wedding photos and look at them together, and then look at photos thru the years.
Helpful Answer (6)
Reply to lealonnie1
Report

Thanks for the quick responses. We live at home together along with my physically disabled brother. I have downloaded the books recommended. My husband believes his wife left, but took nothing with her. He will try to FaceTime me while I am sitting right next to him. It makes him very confused.
He doesn’t really know who I am but he does understand that I am there to help him and care for him. I guess I will just refer to my self by my family nickname when I have to.
Helpful Answer (2)
Reply to MindyDink
Report
Gacast70 Jan 26, 2025
Hello, I suggest you do not insist, his reality is different than yours now. Be casual in responding. Say she loves him and will visit soon if he asks. There is no need to create more confusion and distress. Don’t let this hurt your feelings as heartbreaking as it is…just know that he’s changing. Sending you positive vibes 🫶🏻
(3)
Report
See 1 more reply
No you don't "insist" because your husbands brain is now permanently broken and logic doesn't live there anymore.
It's sad and it's heartbreaking, but you now must meet your husband where he's at in his world not yours.
He may not know who you are right now, but I'm sure he knows that you are a loving and caring person who is looking after him, and that has to be enough for now.
Dementia sucks, that's a fact, but the more you educate yourself about it the better off you will be.
Wishing you well as you take this very difficult journey with your husband.
Helpful Answer (2)
Reply to funkygrandma59
Report

His mind is broken. He cannot receive, process, compute this information. So it makes no sense whatsoever to distress both him and you, yourself, with this insistence.
This is not at all an unusual situation.
You cannot now and will be unlikely in future to convince your hubby you are his wife. Part of loving him unconditionally is to accept this loss of a man who is gone for all intent and purpose, though still alive.

He no longer "knows you". If you would rather not visit, then keep visits few and far between, and let him believe you are whomever he believes you to be in the moment.
I am so sorry. This loss of someone still alive in the flesh is tragic. Not everything can be fixed. That doesn't make it without pain and mourning. Do get counseling for yourself to help should you wish it.
Helpful Answer (5)
Reply to AlvaDeer
Report

No. Just let him know you're a loving and caring friend there to help him.

Pick up a copy of the book Understanding the Dementia Experience by Jennifer Ghent-Fuller on Amazon so you can learn about dementia and how to deal with your husband. The 36 Hour Day is another great reference type book.

Good luck.
Helpful Answer (4)
Reply to lealonnie1
Report
MindyDink Jan 26, 2025
Thanks. I have downloaded both books
(0)
Report
What a terrible and emotional situation for you. Others here will have good advice given within a day or so. So sorry you are having to deal with this.
Helpful Answer (2)
Reply to Dawn88
Report

Ask a Question
Subscribe to
Our Newsletter