Dementia

[Guest]

My husband was diagnosed with Dementia a few years ago. He has now become very hard to get along with. He curses at me all the time. Everytime I ask him a question or say anything to him he always yells and starts cursing. Sometimes he shoves/slaps/kicks/and punches me. Is this normal? Someone please respond.

Blinkie

[Guest]

Hi Blinkie, Very sorry to hear about your situation. I'm not a doctor but I've noticed that questions go un answered on this forum so would like to offer what ever advise I can. My background is that My mom was diagnosed with Dementia 4 years ago and I've seen a number of Psychiatrits, Mental Hospitals, Nursing Homes and Assisted living facilities first hand.

From some of the situations I've witnessed I have seen that is fairly common for people with dememtia to begin to act out in the way you describe. I guess it's part of the steday decline that they go thru.

If your husband is seeing a psychiatrist/Neurologist you would want to bring this behavior to their attention right away. If he isnt seeing anyone you'll need to start the process of getting these people involved.

When we finally had my Mom admitted for a psychatric evaluation she was holed up in her car with a crow bar threating the police. The cops had to get her out of the car and take her away in hand cuffs. You dont want to let things get that far if you dont have too. The doctor can begin to prescribe mood altering drugs, sedatives etc as is appropriate for your husbands condition. Eventually you may want to look at moving him into an assisted living facility so that you can start to get your life back together for your self and your family.

You're at the start of a hard road with out much light at the end of the tunnel. Getting the doctors involved is both a blessing and a curse. Your main concern right now needs to be your own well being. If you are safe and healthy you are better able to care for your husband, even if that means he is not living with you and is being cared for somewhere else. I wish you the best of luck.
[quote] My husband was diagnosed with Dementia a few years ago. He has now become very hard to get along with... [/quote]

[Guest]

What you may be seeing is a reflex reaction. Never touch him when he isn't expecting it-especially from behind. My reaction when I was that sick was to swing around and punch you. So if he tries to restrain himself that way he has to let you know in some way how you raise his bloodpressure and the headache it causes.
[quote] My husband was diagnosed with Dementia a few years ago. He has now become very hard to get along with... [/quote]