Brenda

My husband was diagnosed with Alzheimer’s disease, three years ago, at age 73.

At the time, he was taking medication for his arthritis. Initially, I had thought his confusion was the result of side effects from the medication. However, after his confusion persisted without the medication, I knew it was dementia.

My doctors and health-care providers have been very supportive.  They directed me to support groups. Some friends and family have also been helpful, taking us around to places, or staying with my husband when I need to go out. Others just stay away, because they don’t understand what’s going on and don’t know how to talk to him.

People just stare and wonder what’s going on. Often, I feel judged by others who expect me to do everything, but what they don’t understand is that I’m doing my best. Others think that my husband does not know anything, but I can tell that he’s still aware of how people treat us —and it does affect him. People need to be more aware about dementia and what it means, both for the person living with it (like my husband), and their caregiver (like me).