My husband has been in a nursing facility for 9 months. He doesn't understand many questions anymore and when he speaks, it doesn't make sense. Two things confuse me. one is when he says anything he speaks in numbers. He will say for example, 11 4 7 . Why in numbers?. The next question . I was behind him while he was in the Geri chair and I must have startled him. He made a complete statement of " you scared the shit out of me". How does that happen, when he doesn't make sentences anymore?
I'm very interested in this thread, as my husband is in the same condition. He babbles, usually makes no sense. But sometimes if I say in a loud, direct way something like "How are you", he might be able to put a couple of words together (i.e., "I'm good"). It's like they 'wake up' for a second. It used to be more frequent (like I could say 'I love you' in his face and he'd say 'I love you' back), but now it's few and far between. It's interesting that your husband talks in numbers. Was he a 'numbers' type, that is, an Accountant, or very interested in Math? My husband seems to be singing at times. He always liked music, and used to say that he always had a song in his head. He often babbles in a sing songy voice, like he's singing a tune, but I can't make out what it is.
I'll be interested in seeing whether there are others out there whose spouses no longer make sense, who are trying to make sense of the jumble of words that come out.
There is a post in the stickies at the top of the site where you can post questions for the doctor. If he doesn't see this thread, perhaps you could ask there.
its not just sporadic- this babbling then out of the blue total sense. it still happens to my DH even in late stage 7. most of the time its babble and no meanings at all. then out of the blue he will form a few words that make perfect sense. the shock is profound when it happens. it goes to show they are still in there somewhere and there is a very small window that allows them insight - lucky for us who get to witness it. its such a blessing when it happens but it really makes you wonder how much they know but cant get out. divvi
It is sort of a shock when a sentence comes out of my husband....even 3 words. The other day I walked into his room, he said, "Hi! What are you doing" then it is gone. But, it is still nice when it happens.
I often wonder if he is hurting inside and can't tell me. When you said you wonder how much they know, but can't tell us, really makes me wonder. That is my worst fear. I want to help him through this, and I feel helpless. I don't think this is a good thing at all, that he completes a sentence, it makes me feel horrible instead of happy. If this would change the disease and he would get better I would love to hear the sentences. But we all know that won't happen, so it's just a terrible tease. Kelly, My husband is not an account but he was really good in numbers. He was a walking calculator. When we went out to dinner, he could figure the bill out before it came to us, with tip and tax.
"its such a blessing when it happens but it really makes you wonder how much they know but cant get out."
How very true. Lynn is now able to form complete sentences every day. Not all make sense. By no means it is real communication. But he can articulate some things. Oddly enough, he never seems sad. I can only assume this is because he is so far gone he doesn't know anything is wrong. It is all so hard..... My heart goes out to you ((Paula))