I really need some answers on a few things.Since my spouse, age 58 was diagnosis with mod FTD a few months ago, I am seeing so many symptoms that are very disturbing to me Should I be making a list of what I am seeing on a daily basis since we are both at home,and let the doctor know on our next appt which is the middle of August. Now that I am really paying attention,they are things that are quite disturbing since he is so young and it seems he is going thru alot of different symptoms real fast. He can hide when he is around people for about an hour, but if you spend a day with him it all comes out. As long as he is just watching tv of course you have no idea that is so bad,but once he gets up and you ask certain simple things it seems that he doesn't know where, or how to start.
Forgot to add prior to the diagnosis he was working full-time and was the head over 100 people. How can someone work one day and now months later they won't even read a book, newspaper,check their email, turn on the computer, look at the regular, only goes in the backyard ( will not go outside in front of the house), just to name a few, there is so much more, I will wait for a response first.
the more information you give the doctor the more the MD will understand and be able to evaluate and possibly treat. It has been suggested that you fax or hand deliver your memo to the doctor 1 to 3 days ahead and then bring a copy or 2 with you to give nurse before the appoint if the doctor "didnt recieve the memo". This way all of your concerns and observations are out in the open without embarressing your LO.
Making a list of your husbands changes on a daily basis is often a very good idea. Like vhj said, it can help your doctor better evaluate and treat your husband. Daily journaling may also help you understand more about your husband’s condition. It is very common to feel overwhelmed by the various symptoms that are seen in FTD. And often in early onset dementias, including some persons with FTD, the disease progresses at a quicker speed. Some caregivers of persons with FTD feel that once they get a hold of one situation, like managing their loved ones impulsive eating, another one emerges. It is also very common for persons with dementia to present differently, or “hold it together”, for short periods of time. This can often be frustrating for the caregiver if friends or family members stop by for a short visit, after which they may comment that they do not see anything wrong with the person with FTD.
People with dementia, at a certain point, cognitively lose the ability to initiate activities. If your husband does not seem to be initiating activities on his own try giving him simple, one step directions for activities he may still enjoy. His interests are changing as a result of his cognitive decline. He may not be able to perform many of the tasks he could previously do, like check his email or read, but consider his remaining skills and abilities and try to engage him in activities based on those talents.
This is a very difficult time and you are not alone. There are many caregivers of persons with dementia, and more specifically persons with FTD who struggle with similar experiences. Please consider participating in a support group where you can share your feelings and experiences with those who truly understand. To find caregiver support groups and other resources in your area locate your local Alzheimer’s Association chapter at http://www.alz.org/apps/findus.asp. Another source of support for you is the Alzheimer’s Association’s 24 hour help line at 800.272.3900. We have counselors available to talk with you any time, day or night.
Sincerely,
Jaimie E.
Alzheimer’s Association Care Consultant
This message has been edited. Last edited by: Jaimie E.,
