Hello all, Hubby was diagnosed with EOA. He's 63. This was 8 months ago. He's still able to work and drive and function pretty good. This is why it's so hard to believe it's EOA. ( he did have all the testing by neurologists) So many questions and feelings... Some days he's convinced he doesn't have it , which makes me doubt also...but then there's that glimpse It's a roller coaster!!! Someone said to me, it's hard because they appear normal on the outside... We feel he is stage 3 out of 7.
Question.... Is it normal that some days his memory of people from years ago is spot on? He met someone we haven't seen in years and recalled them instantly!!!! Years ago he couldn't of told you ....( he was never really good with names , but could recall a face). It makes me wonder how do you have EOA , and can do this.
Hi Konnie, welcome to the board. In the early stages changes can be subtle. It seems to affect everyone somewhat differently. I don't know the answer about his recall.
The recall is normal. As their short term disappears those long term memories are more accessible. And yes, it is hard to believe they are sick when they appear normal. Even harder when they slowly slide downhill. We are in years 11 of this cruel horrible disease. Many times I have questioned the diagnosis even though it runs in his family. I think there is still a part of me that wants to believe I will wake up and discovered this has been a bad nightmare.
Yes the recall of things and events from many years ago is common. My DH, especially as the disease progressed couldn't remember anything from recent times (even 3 hours ago) was always talking about thing that happened when he was a child or when he was in the army. Then he would say "where's Mary". Id say "I'm right here" and he would say "no the other Mary my wife". He was always wanting to go home and when I told him he was home, he wanted to go home to East Haven CT where he grew up.
I am sorry you are in this situation. Yes, his symptoms will diminish and return. It is a roller coaster. Doubt about whether he actually has dementia is common.
Consider stopping his driving ASAP. You won't know that his condition has worsened until something bad might happen, which might be an accident. Discuss with his doctors about them reporting him to the DMV, since you should never be the bad guy. At the very least report his dx to your insurance company, if they don't know they can legally refuse to cover any damages if he is in an accident and you could be liable for a huge lawsuit from other parties. If the insurance company states they will continue to cover him then get it in writing from a company lawyer. Verbal ok from the help desk will not help you in court.