First signs of dementia were in 2015. There were years of neurotic behavior. 2020 things changed she was unable to locate items because it was not where she believed it was, or not in blue box siting in plain sight in front of her. Talking to keep concentration. 2020 Diagnosis was Mixed Dementia because there was no memory loss yet. 2021 She was missing the first few words of conversations, same with reading, losing plot if show especially if flash back occurs. Seeing anger, inappropriate reactions to situations in public places. COVID still exists so we are in outdoor settings. Seeing much elevated neurotic situations. Mid 2022 short term memory loss arrives, difficult to balance check book, giving clerk a $5 and $1 instead of $56, etc. 2023 log on to familiar web sites difficult, I-Pad charges faster in counter height plugs, quilter with familiar electronic smart style sewing machine messing up, cell phone alarm goes off, trying to answer phone, traveling stressful, unable to set GPS thinks Motel Rooms full of COVID, wants to stay home more. So I say RV might be more comfortable, it is a familiar lifestyle to us. 7 years in this travel trailer, started camping in 1968, it did not go well. 1 week in June camping trip unable to recall how to use microwave in the trailer not like home, she refuses to use the gas stove, heard on Facebook gas stoves kill us. Everything that is wrong is my fault, including cold air conditioning in the car all goes to passenger side in left turns. The past two weeks sewing, cooking, deciding what to wear is becoming mentally exhausting to her.
What can I expect next or to prepare for?
Is this order of events common with Mixed Dementia?
Does anyone have possible time line for becoming completely dysfunctional?
Can I expect violence coming with this confusion?
My Mother had Lewy Body Dementia, very easy to care for except she was violent last two weeks.
You have a wonderful diary-like log there to take along with you. These things are invaluable in assisting an MD in assessment as so little can be known about the inner workings of the brain by testing and scanning.
I sure wish you good luck. It is sounding like a progression, and some of this could even be mental illness complicating things. Anxiety seems to make all dementias so much worse.
You ask us what to expect, and the sad truth is that we all need to "expect the unexpected". Each person's brain is as individual as his or her own thumbprint.
Just read your profile. Wow! This is your 3rd go around with caregiving. First, your parents and then your wife.
I’m so sorry that you are dealing with this. It’s awful to watch those we love decline.
My mom was very active before her Parkinson’s and dementia diagnosis. Things eventually came to a screeching halt.
At first, I didn’t recognize the early signs of dementia. I thought my mother was being contrary, in reality she was struggling to cope with everyday situations.
Like your wife, my mother became confused by the microwave, also the television remote control, her smartphone, etc.
I don’t think anyone can predict what will happen next.
There were things that our family didn’t expect to happen. My mom tried to walk out of the front door in the middle of the night. Fortunately, meds were able to calm her down enough for her to rest safely.
Please know that there are many experienced caregivers on this forum who will be happy to help you. Or even if you just want to talk about something, we are here to listen.
Take care.
Dad and Mom were easier, likely because I was much younger caregiver in 1999.
I’m physically very active and must be outdoors a lot.
Let me outside, take a trip and I’m ready to face another week or day.
thanks for sharing your experience.
Expect the unexpected I can deal with that.
My wife is convinced she is normal for her age, and proud at age 78 not on any medication, physically healthy at last wellingness test in 2021 so no need to return. Prior to her appointment I showed them her progression in diary. She came out very agitated. Clinic called me, for follow up appointment, informed most likely Mixed Dementia.