I haven't posted much recently because it seems that my DH's undiagnosed whatever isn't dementia but brain fog that comes and goes (and is related to a medical condition he's had for years). Symptoms of brain fog are similar to early stage of dementia but the symptoms don't worsen as in dementia. (Mind you, there is a lot of unpredictability involved in responding to brain fog's comings and goings). Some days DH is reasonably okay and then other times things shift from moment to moment. Fatigue and delayed mealtimes bring on brain fog symptoms but sometimes the symptoms occur with no apparent trigger.)
Anyhow, I did want to share a recent happening. I'd taken DH to a walk in medical clinic (mid evening when our dr's office was closed). Hubby was prescribed a medication so we headed to the pharmacy. The pharmacist took the prescription and then started asking my hubby the usual questions. Hubby answered okay on the first couple of questions and then it was quite apparent that he wasn't processing the questions at all. So I quietly began answering the questions (and providing pharmacist with some pertinent health information which hadn't been shared). Hubby was okay with me doing this . . . listened and then he told pharmacist: "She's my memory----that's why she's along with me." Now, he has told other people that I'm his memory so that wasn't a new statement. Without missing a beat the pharmacist responded: "Ah, she's like your external hard drive". "Yes," said DH, "she's my external hard drive".
The pharmacist----who I'm sure recognized that there was some cognitive disconnect happening----was very accepting and affirming to my husband in the reference to me being hubby's "external hard drive". Hubby repeated it with acceptance and even a hint of gratefulness. It was a rather poignant exchange and as soon as I heard the phrase I knew I had to post it on here. For me, it was a new way of viewing what I sometimes get frustrated by (hubby's memory lapses). I thought some of you would relate and I hope I can recall this little exchange when I get discouraged with hubby's brain fog symptoms.
My DH told everyone that I was his "rememberer". He made up silly words like that when he was well... and everyone understood. We'd tease about that being "my job"., and I'd tell him he'd have to be MY rememberer, too. He agreed. (grin)
I told my husband yesterday this story - told him I am not his memory anymore but his harddrive. Doubt he will remember mostly cause he is not a computer person so computer lingo is foreign to him