She has no memory except immediate, recent activity and family. When she does something strange and I ask about it, she has no idea what I'm talking about! I think she wants/expects me to do things that will entertain or occupy her, but we go for a ride and 15 minutes later she wants to come home. We visit in-laws next door and in 10 minutes she is ready to go home. If someone comes to visit, she is nervous and anxious while they are here. She is up on her rollator constantly back and forth through the house. She goes through cabinets, moves things around, loses things and always her answer is that she didn't do it or she doesn't know what I'm talking about! I have fidget tools and she ignores them. Anyone else been able to resolve this tendency or do anything to occupy someone who doesn't recognize they have the problem and doesn't want help?
Thanks again to you both!
Thanks again to you both!
She will NEVER recognize that she has a problem because she can't. Her brain is beyond repair. It sounds like you still may be in a bit of denial when it comes to your wife, as you seem to be expecting more from her than she can give.
It's heartbreaking, I know. But this is now your reality, and your wife will never be able to be in your world any more. Instead you must meet her where she's at in hers.
Your wife may benefit from going to an adult daycare center as they do a wonderful job with folks with dementia. You can take her 1-5 days a week and for up to 8 hours, which can include breakfast, lunch and a snack. Where I live I believe the cost is about $60/day, and they also have special accommodations for those who can't afford it.
And keep in mind that it may just get to be too much for you to keep her home with you as much as you'd like to be able to.
It will come to the point where you will have to not only do what is best for your wife and her safety, but also what is best for you.
Best wishes.
Discuss things with the doctor, and make the decisions you must for your own life. It is very sad, but we lose those we love in this manner; they are no longer able to have the life they had nor to regain who they were. They do have a life, but it is not bearing any resemblance to who they were.
I am really sorry. You are not alone.