9:14 did you misspeak here? Did you mean you put the minute hand at the five instead of at the two (and the hour hand at the three)? Because that’s not what you said.
My husband was recently diagnosed with Lewy Body Dementia with Parkinsonism traits. He was always the main driver and paid the bills (he has a PHD in physics) so he was always so precise when paying bills and keeping a ledger until about a year ago when he started having difficulties. He was having a hard time concentrating while driving and started to pay the same bill twice. We had him formally evaluated with a neurophysiologist and found that he tested poorly in his executive functioning. Thank you for your insight and knowledge on this subject. I believe it’s better to be informed and since I’ve had the diagnosis for my husband I have found some different ways that are helpful on everyday living. Ex…not to overwhelm him with too many tasks at once, slow down on my speaking, leave notes to remind him of important things. Now I’m paying the bills and I’m the full time driver.
@@judyfeldman1315thank goodness he gave it up on his own. He said he no longer felt confident in his driving ability. I believe I am fortunate although sometimes he is an annoying back seat driver😂but rather live with that than have to worry about him driving. He also has no sense of direction anymore and I would be concerned of him losing his way.
This started so subtly in the beginning with my husband. He would clean the lawn mower by dropping the deck and not be able to put the belt back on the pullies using the diagram. He would be so frustrated. I would say, Just walk away and then he could do it the next day. I finally realized he needed a mower that has a lift deck to clean. Then he had trouble doing the steps to lift the deck. Step 1, 2, 3 to lift and 3, 2, 1 to lower. He could not do it. Then I noticed he couldn't balance his check book. Or fill out his calendar. Then it was the phone, the remote and the computer. Cooking was very difficult for him. He decided not to get his drivers license at this point, he didn't want to hurt anyone. He is so full of grace. Now he can no longer do anything. He is totally dependent on me.
Aha! Some days my mother's remote, phones and computer all don't work...mysteriously they will all work fine the next... she was prescribed a full neuropscych test a year ago but refuses to get it done. Thank you for the share!
I observed my mom's decline sooner than anyone else in my family. No one wanted to believe me, excuses were made for her behaviour. I was going over every day to help. Now I am her full time caregiver. This is such a sad disease for everyone. It steals the caregivers life more than the one with dementia. Get help and make arrangements to have your loved one cared for so you can have a life.
Kathleen, I hear you and so agree! My friend got dementia, I saw it many years ahead and glimpses even years before that. No one else around her noticed like I did. When she was diagnosed her family ran the other way and wanted nothing to do with her care; that was hard to bear. I came into her home, which was in a serious state of disrepair and all paperwork was bunched up in piles needing to be sorted and combed through. She was 99 pounds when she came back from a hospital stay and it took me months to get her to eat her way back to 118lbs. After several months I couldn’t manage the stress and loneliness of it and placed her in assisted living. Then began the serious clean up of her stuff, straightening out her finances, investing her money so she could afford long term care. Selling her things repairing the home for sale, etc. her friends gradually quit coming around, only one has stayed involved and takes her periodically to appointments. I’ve been here now 2.5 years! I’ve lost 20lbs, have trouble sleeping and so want my own life back! I’m embarrassed to admit it but I cry now almost every day for the grief, the stress, the loneliness, it’s been too much for one person. I’m in the last stage of trying to find people to do what I do so I can leave and am astonished at the cost. Fiduciary’s or Care Managers are upwards of $150/hr! That is sobering and doesn’t even include the hard part of trying to figure out if they are honest, ethical, and reliable. That is the most difficult as I’ve seen people in the caretaking professions that are sometimes frightening in their attitudes and harsh and/or greedy behaviors. So much trust is needed when a person is vulnerable like she is. Trusting others with her care is very hard when I’ve encountered such attitudes. So yes, my friend, though frustrated at times with her memory is living far more comfortably than I am. The disease in a way protects her from reality. She has no real responsibilities, they’ve all become mine. I just keep wondering, how did I end up with this? Where is her family? This is all wrong on so many levels. I’m hoping to hire some care managers soon and will turn over these responsibilities to them. I miss gardening, I miss hiking and being outside. I miss peace of mind for how difficult this has been, so yes, this disease takes a greater toll on the caregivers because we stay aware of the larger picture, where my friend can no longer even conceive it. I wish you well. I hope you can find support and have managed to get some of your mom’s care taken up by others. I would never wish anything like this on anyone…it is a very painful disease, especially emotionally.
Thank you so much for all of your information and tips! I have learned that I can only give my husband one thing to think about at a time. He is still semi independent so he can still do simple things, but the instructions have to be simple, written down, and one job at a time. And sometimes I have to get him started. We live and learn…C Erickson
Partner had an artistic side and frequently drew as a past time and also wrote documents on his computer. In retrospect,3 years before diagnosis, he stopped getting his artwork out and at any suggestion he would say he didn’t want to do it. Also stopped using his computer for writing saying the settings kept changing and it frustrated him. Didn’t think much about these things until his personality began to change with sudden burst of anger toward me and anxiety about going to work. After full work up, Dementia, Alzheimer’s type diagnosis.
Yes my dad has this symptom. But because he was living on his own when his dementia was first coming to light it required outside intervention to get him tested. And I feel behind the eight ball so to speak in learning what is going on with him and how to deal with it. So yes your videos help tremendously. I was given your card by Dad's neurologist and while there is no money in my budget for your personalized help, I greatly appreciate you videos, emails and website. You have taught me soooo very much. Thank you.
This really hit home with me when my mom who was still golfing, dancing, had a social life and was still doing all her own bills, shopping etc. She wanted to have friends over to celebrate a birthday and I was going to help her. She couldn't put together what we would need to purchase for food for the luncheon. I'd say, well if we have chicken salad, what would we need to buy and she could not figure it out. Then there were unpaid bills and she started going to the grocery store and purchasing one or two things like angle food cake and cookies but no real food. Now I do everything for her.
@@vzeimen it is such a horrible disease. It robs our loved ones everyday of simple tasks that they were always very capable of doing in the past. My husband was the type of man that if something broke he could take it apart and fix it no problem. Yesterday our garage door opener wouldn’t work and needed new batteries. He couldn’t figure out how to open it and just became frustrated. It’s worse I believe because they know they should be able to do these simple things but can no longer get their mind to function. I pray for you and your wife.its not an easy journey we are on.
My LO diagnosed with FTD definitely has trouble with executive functioning. At one point his socially inappropriate words and behavior became such a big problem that he has chosen to limit the places he goes and the length of time away from home in order to avoid causing trouble. He doesn't understand why people get upset with him. Later, when he finally grasps the situation, he's embarrassed, ashamed and mortified by his actions. He was always such a kind-hearted extrovert before this disease. Now he's fearful, anxious, and stays home 98% of the time. He doesn't want to interact with but a handful of people. It's sad. 😢
My husband diagnosed 5 years ago with Alzheimer’s he us now age 69. We learned of it through testing with a numerologist , 4 different ones to be exact (we were answer shopping). He was driving at the time and ran our home finances, ect… It has been a long road of learning and still learning, not just about Alzheimer’s but learning and taking on the tasks my husband did so effortlessly while maintaining my own tasks. Being at peace with where he is now in his journey and just being together and enjoying every moment together rather than trying to bring back the person he was a few short years ago has helped me. I was recently told he is in severe stage - whatever that is. So far he can walk in mornings about a mile, splash in pool so that does bot seem sever. He is unable to complete sentences or take in what is being said to him exactly but we manage. He still smiles and makes me smile. I hope to learn when and how to transition to depends-several accidents also how to start to ask to help him since he is having trouble. Thanks for your content.
Please note;he does not go in pool alone or that willingly. I am always with him, saftalarms on door ect… floation belt-just incase Anyone was wondering . its not as simple as I wrote it, but its part of the process and journey . Its not the same as when he was without cognitive decline but we embrace and shift. He enjoys it so much.
Bless you both. You are a wise woman. My husband's experience was much like yours. He is now 71 and is unable to walk or bear weight. He utters only words. He is unable to feed himself or even scratch his nose. Yet he still smiles and makes me smile. He likes good food, old movies and music. He knows what love is...and I love him so much. Even in this state he is a beautiful man.
Prayers for both of you. I’m right behind you can relate to most of what you wrote. Mine was also the bill payer, and errand runner, could fix/remodel anything, and always drove. Now I’m the bill payer, and errand runner, and do all the driving. You don't want me fixing or remodeling anything though. 😊 He is not as advanced as your husbands are but I know my day is coming. Hang in there ladies. ❤
You too! It's a long road...a long good bye. I have learned that if I stay in caregiver mode I am strong. But if I revert to wife, lover, best friend and sweetheart , I get weak with emotions and heart break. It's a pleasure to be here for him...yet I do get lonely and very tired.God is with us all.🙏❤️
@@patsybehm3759 I couldn't agree more. As I stated, mine is not as advanced but parts of him are gone forever. I find it odd to miss my husband when he's sitting right in front of me. I love and cherish him and I'm thankful I can care for him. But know that'll end at some point as well. 🥲
My husband was recently diagnosed with FTD but symptoms have been for many years. We were trying to figure it out, it just seemed to be so many other things. Everything you said is 100% spot on. So hard and heartbreaking. Thank you for the little card idea. I’ve been saying I wish I had a sign I could hold up to explain to people, especially in public when we’re around strangers. Thank you. ❤
Thank you for this information! I’m starting the journey with a friend whom we suspect has dementia. She’ll undergo testing short and is very anxious and resistant. The battle is “I’m not stupid. They think I’m stupid.” I just hope we can get past the first steps!
Yes, my LO has shown this problem for a few years but it is growing. Not just planning, finances but more noticeable now in cooking and out with people. Saying quiet things or thoughts outloud without any remorse. Thank you for your training. ❤
My husband showed trouble with executive function from the onset. He has vascular dementia. The tips you gave I use and they are very helpful! Thank you Dr.Natali for your kind & helpful lessons. You’re amazing.💕
Hello from the UK. Ive learnt so much from these videos over the last few years. Here we are only offered an assessment if the person cant manage daily tasks. So i stuggle on best I can while he becomes less and less able in this area. Ive decided to set up a carers support group in our area as there is none at rhe moment. Not only will it help others who are unpaid carers but im sure will help me too! I will be recommending your videos to anyone caring for someone who has these symptoms, whether diagnosed or not. Tks for all the effort you put in to giving out such helpful tips.
This information is very helpful. My husband has been diagnosed ( age 67) with mild cognitive impairment and our family has noticed his decline. I am interested in your views on diet and cognitive function, as I have been following Dr Georgia Ede and Amy Burger who has an excellent book The Alzheimer’s antidote. I feel we need more cohesion among specialists.
My husband had a right frontal brain tumor the size of an orange. We were confused how that could be possible with only slight symptoms. Funny smell and funny feeling in his head. Turned out to be an oligdendroglioma and only partially removed during first surgery and massive radiation. After nine years there was new growth and a second surgery was required. Now almost all of his right frontal lobe is gone and he functions at about the level of a five year old. So sad. I recognize every one of these issues and he is pretty much reduced to remaining at home and smoking marijuana all day. Thank God it’s legal here or he would be in a care facility. I still look for help with some chores I am not able to do and am disappointed every time. So hard to break old habits. When he was first diagnosed we were told the reason we did not notice any massive changes in function was that the right frontal lobe was a silent area of the brain. Yeah right. I feel so disserved by the medical professionals. They did not inform us at all. We went into this blind. Not that we would have done anything differently but it sure would have been nice to know what to expect. Thank you for your useful Information and God bless all the people dealing with this issue.
@Cranky Grandma . EXACTLY! Which is what makes diagnosis so difficult - as some people have commented in their posts, it could easily be ADHD rather than dementia. Or a combination, evolving in pattern & severity as aging progresses? Tricky to discern, and I don't think edical practitioners are currently adept at making these distinctions. ❤
My Dad has dementia. He refused to continue care with the neurologist, and my step-mom is not empowered to take the reins. Like most people, she does not know how to deal with it, and I have tried telling her that it will cause him anxiety when she (constantly) tries to correct his "wrong" answers. I have asked to to please NOT correct him when he is having a conversation with me because I do not care if he says the same thing 10 times or if he says something that did not happen. She does not have access to the internet, but I would love to help her access this information that she desperately needs for her sanity and my dads overall health.
Are there care centers in your area for seniors with dementia? She could seek help there. She can go to the library for internet while he goes to 'day care' a couple times a week.
Are you sure your mother doesnt also have a degree of cognitive decline. We found this with my Brother in law constantly correcting and arguing the point with his wife even though it had been explained to him over and over. He also could not accept that she was not going to 'get better' Very sad.
Now I understand why my hubby, who has FTD, repeats a routine day after day. He is panic when I take him to see new things. I am glad that I make things as simple as possible and let him stay with his routine. Thanks for let us know about this executive functioning.
My husband always takes care of everything including Bills financing Now he is no longer able to do any of these things anymore Take a shower only once a week Very aggressive and irritated always wants his way also terrible behaviour problem not able to help himself Hallucinations wandering rummage Paranoid accusations Delusional keep asking the same questions Omg and so much more Forgetting he had his meals
Yes but she was pointing out that saying it was minutes indicates what she calls concrete thinking. We normally do the shortcut and don’t say it’s minutes.
I was diagnosed with mild dementia in Feb. Because the Neurobi had at the time shouldnt be oracticing, ive started over with a new one that us as different as night and day. All i know us it isnt Alzhiemers. Sorry for mispells. It wont let me correct. The dementia has caused dyalexia, and my impaired vision causes my mispells.
My father can no longer have two eating utensils because he gets confused on which one to use.. He is also having trouble when it comes to taking medicine. He will get the pill in his mouth, but “glitches” when it comes time to take a drink and swallow it down. Like his brain is stuck on what to do next. The crazy thing is that I got him an electronic drum kit to help dispel some of the anxiousness and tapping. I put headphones on him with tunes playing and the drums. (The crazy part) He can independently use the foot pedals and play the drums. While the beat may not replicate what he is playing along to, he keeps a rhythm going between his hands and feet. Something I have a hard time doing myself… I’m finding that music is his home place. Makes him feel normal. He hardly speaks on his own, unless spoken to. He can’t get his words together,but he’ll flat out “sing along” the same we do when we love a song but don’t know the words.
I liken it to remembering the 'what' but not the 'how'. Hubby knows to get the table set, or teeth brushed, but cannot actually do it himself. His memory isn't affected, but mobility, incontinence, decisions etc all are
Thank you for all your helpful videos. My wife with moderate Alzheimer's is having difficulty associating words with objects. I'll tell her something is next to the phone, she does not know where to look. Do you have a video that addresses this?
I've seen the behavioural issues mentioned here categorised as "disinhibition"associated with frontal lobe impairment. I'm more familiar with executive function being limited to planning, preparing for, initiating, persisting with, and completing tasks. I'd have covered executive function impairment and disinhibition in different presentations.
Funny story about the "secrets of the test". My dad went thru all those test, the clock, remember 3 words.. when my mom was diagnosed. when my dad started having problems, vascular dementia, I saw alot of the same things with him....when they first started "testing" him, he said I got their tricks i memorized all those wit your mom, LOL His blurt out triggers are, fat women and tattoos, or weird hair color😂,needless to say Walmart is quite entertaining, I use to get so embarrassed but now I just go with it and change the subject or don't worry about what people think because I'm now much more aware of what others may be going thru. but I really like the little card idea, my loved one has dementia sometimes they say things outlook that.... ill try that❤
This is the only symptom my mother in law has. On her tests everything was normal but this. Last year I wondered if she had ADHD and put in place the tools recommended for that issue. It really helped actually but she soon got so bad that she can’t get herself dressed because she can’t decide on what clothes to wear. She can’t even make a cup of coffee without her husband telling her what to do step by step. Thankfully she is not saying inappropriate things yet but she does forget to put her skirt back on after going to the loo sometimes. The first thing she did that made me sure something serious was amiss was a small thing. We had a bowl of olives to share and she loves them. She put her pits back in the bowl. This is a horrific lack of etiquette for a lady brought up in the upper class. Looking back there were signs she was struggling many years ago. She had little piles of paperwork all over the house. She hoarded clothes. She would lose track of a conversation. We used to joke about her rambling anecdotes about people we never met which had nothing to do with the previous conversation. Hoarding in general seems to be a good dementia warning. My mum was not demented but she got a unitary infection aged 93 and slowly went delirious. She started hoarding food in weird places the week before she collapsed. Interesting about the clock. I understand now why it is a good test. The mother in law tried to do it with Roman numerals, which was her upper class education priority with no planning about spacing. Don’t get me started about the bone handled butter knives…
After I had brain tumor surgery that's left me with executive dysfunction. They would give me a series of 6 words, read a couple of paragraphs to me, then have me repeat those same 6 words..that was so hard!
My husband was diagnosed with Alzheimer’s 4 years sho. However he had executive functioning issues prior to his diagnosis by neurophysiological testing. The last annual neuropsychological testing caused him so much anxiety that the doctor said there’s no further need for these exams. He is in the moderate stage currently. He cannot follow a clear step by step recipe with photos, has difficulty following steps in any process. Giving simple single step directions only. I have a question about wanting to downsize on our home. How do I approach the topic when he refuses to even entertain the idea of moving?
It’s difficult to tell if my mother has the executive functioning dementia or just poor social skills. But I’m going to guess she started off with poor social skills due to childhood trauma, including hearing loss. But now it is apparent that she has executive functioning dementia. ❤
Hello dr. Natali, hi everyone. My mom was diagnosed with probable vascular and degenerative dementia. She often steal things when she's at my place or even when people go see her and leave their things around. Could you make a video on this particular condition? Is it common? Thank you very much 🤗
Thank you for sharing this helpful information. Can I find out at what stage of dementia would a loved one be experiencing challenges with executive functioning?
It’s difficult to tell if my mother has the executive functioning dementia or just pour social skills. I’m going to guess that she had poor social skills when she was younger, and now that she has dementia it’s more apparent. ❤
New something. Not about this video. About moving on, moving forward after the loss of a loved one. What helps greatly as I have said before, is knowing that they would want you to go on with life and not grieve so much you waste away and pass yourself. That is step 1 for your mind. Step 2 I have just found is part of step 1. Actually, do move on, move forward. You will never forget them, I found that to be a fear. That I might forget them, people might see that I may be moving forward very quickly and take it as I am over it to easily. Maybe I didn't love so much. How long should I be "triggered" into difficulty in speech, and show tears or slight tears? While people will be supportive, and be sorry for your loss etc. It will put people off after a year of that triggering in the presence of same people. If you happen to find a new partner, they will feel secondary. Not that they are bad in any way. I am not saying to not be triggered and cry anywhere any time. I did and I was. There are varying ideas on how long it takes for grief to ease. That will be different for everyone. My point? You will find strength by moving forward after you realize not only is it what they would want you to do, but go 1 more step, pick yourself up and DO IT. That is the best honor you can show for them. The best way to show your love and caring, move forward, actually move forward after the loss, not just know it is what they would want. 💖💖
Hey Natalie 👋 I have a question on dementia and irritation when at something that requires executive function. I'm the one with Lewy body dementia is this part of the process or am I just being sensitive. I'm having to prep vegetables to fry and put something in the oven when suddenly I just want to say NO! I don't want to cook anymore period.. But it's not from being rebellious I just can't seem to cope
What do we see regarding FTD, Mild Cognitive Decline, and Alzheimer's amongst those with Autism-related disorders? Are the autistic less or more likely to be pre-disposed to dementia, particularly Alzheimers?
Hi! Thanks for this. I am 78, and have noticed myself losing exec. function regarding paying bills., checking for appointments daily on my phone Reminders, etc. I don’t know how to fix these probs but the thing is-I just put things aside mindlessly. Do you have any suggestions for me? Thanks.
Yes, me too. If she meant to say 10 if 3 (as in 2:50...I could understand the huge mistake a person could make but 3 ten and 10 past 3 have the same visual.) I mean, every time given is Always an hour and a minute of some combination...stated or implied combination. PAST or AFTER means same as applied to the number of minutes. I'm dense. Missing something.
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9:14 did you misspeak here? Did you mean you put the minute hand at the five instead of at the two (and the hour hand at the three)? Because that’s not what you said.
My husband was recently diagnosed with Lewy Body Dementia with Parkinsonism traits. He was always the main driver and paid the bills (he has a PHD in physics) so he was always so precise when paying bills and keeping a ledger until about a year ago when he started having difficulties. He was having a hard time concentrating while driving and started to pay the same bill twice. We had him formally evaluated with a neurophysiologist and found that he tested poorly in his executive functioning. Thank you for your insight and knowledge on this subject. I believe it’s better to be informed and since I’ve had the diagnosis for my husband I have found some different ways that are helpful on everyday living. Ex…not to overwhelm him with too many tasks at once, slow down on my speaking, leave notes to remind him of important things. Now I’m paying the bills and I’m the full time driver.
🙏God bless you all
How did you get him to give up driving?
@@susanniciejewski5447 I can relate to everything you mentioned
I'm having to take care of everything
@@judyfeldman1315thank goodness he gave it up on his own. He said he no longer felt confident in his driving ability. I believe I am fortunate although sometimes he is an annoying back seat driver😂but rather live with that than have to worry about him driving. He also has no sense of direction anymore and I would be concerned of him losing his way.
Same here.
This started so subtly in the beginning with my husband. He would clean the lawn mower by dropping the deck and not be able to put the belt back on the pullies using the diagram. He would be so frustrated. I would say, Just walk away and then he could do it the next day. I finally realized he needed a mower that has a lift deck to clean. Then he had trouble doing the steps to lift the deck. Step 1, 2, 3 to lift and 3, 2, 1 to lower. He could not do it. Then I noticed he couldn't balance his check book. Or fill out his calendar. Then it was the phone, the remote and the computer. Cooking was very difficult for him. He decided not to get his drivers license at this point, he didn't want to hurt anyone. He is so full of grace. Now he can no longer do anything. He is totally dependent on me.
Aha! Some days my mother's remote, phones and computer all don't work...mysteriously they will all work fine the next... she was prescribed a full neuropscych test a year ago but refuses to get it done. Thank you for the share!
Bless you on this journey w him. 😊
💖
❤May you have God's grace every day. Your dear husband is still there. He just isn't able to let you know. 😢❤
@@ccpperrett7522 Yes he is...he lets me know. His smiles are so loving. God's grace is sufficient. 💞
I observed my mom's decline sooner than anyone else in my family. No one wanted to believe me, excuses were made for her behaviour. I was going over every day to help. Now I am her full time caregiver. This is such a sad disease for everyone. It steals the caregivers life more than the one with dementia. Get help and make arrangements to have your loved one cared for so you can have a life.
Kathleen, I hear you and so agree! My friend got dementia, I saw it many years ahead and glimpses even years before that. No one else around her noticed like I did. When she was diagnosed her family ran the other way and wanted nothing to do with her care; that was hard to bear.
I came into her home, which was in a serious state of disrepair and all paperwork was bunched up in piles needing to be sorted and combed through. She was 99 pounds when she came back from a hospital stay and it took me months to get her to eat her way back to 118lbs. After several months I couldn’t manage the stress and loneliness of it and placed her in assisted living. Then began the serious clean up of her stuff, straightening out her finances, investing her money so she could afford long term care. Selling her things repairing the home for sale, etc. her friends gradually quit coming around, only one has stayed involved and takes her periodically to appointments.
I’ve been here now 2.5 years! I’ve lost 20lbs, have trouble sleeping and so want my own life back! I’m embarrassed to admit it but I cry now almost every day for the grief, the stress, the loneliness, it’s been too much for one person. I’m in the last stage of trying to find people to do what I do so I can leave and am astonished at the cost. Fiduciary’s or Care Managers are upwards of $150/hr! That is sobering and doesn’t even include the hard part of trying to figure out if they are honest, ethical, and reliable. That is the most difficult as I’ve seen people in the caretaking professions that are sometimes frightening in their attitudes and harsh and/or greedy behaviors.
So much trust is needed when a person is vulnerable like she is. Trusting others with her care is very hard when I’ve encountered such attitudes. So yes, my friend, though frustrated at times with her memory is living far more comfortably than I am. The disease in a way protects her from reality. She has no real responsibilities, they’ve all become mine. I just keep wondering, how did I end up with this? Where is her family? This is all wrong on so many levels. I’m hoping to hire some care managers soon and will turn over these responsibilities to them. I miss gardening, I miss hiking and being outside. I miss peace of mind for how difficult this has been, so yes, this disease takes a greater toll on the caregivers because we stay aware of the larger picture, where my friend can no longer even conceive it.
I wish you well. I hope you can find support and have managed to get some of your mom’s care taken up by others. I would never wish anything like this on anyone…it is a very painful disease, especially emotionally.
Thank you so much for all of your information and tips! I have learned that I can only give my husband one thing to think about at a time. He is still semi independent so he can still do simple things, but the instructions have to be simple, written down, and one job at a time. And sometimes I have to get him started. We live and learn…C Erickson
Partner had an artistic side and frequently drew as a past time and also wrote documents on his computer. In retrospect,3 years before diagnosis, he stopped getting his artwork out and at any suggestion he would say he didn’t want to do it. Also stopped using his computer for writing saying the settings kept changing and it frustrated him. Didn’t think much about these things until his personality began to change with sudden burst of anger toward me and anxiety about going to work. After full work up, Dementia, Alzheimer’s type diagnosis.
Yes my dad has this symptom. But because he was living on his own when his dementia was first coming to light it required outside intervention to get him tested. And I feel behind the eight ball so to speak in learning what is going on with him and how to deal with it. So yes your videos help tremendously.
I was given your card by Dad's neurologist and while there is no money in my budget for your personalized help, I greatly appreciate you videos, emails and website.
You have taught me soooo very much. Thank you.
This really hit home with me when my mom who was still golfing, dancing, had a social life and was still doing all her own bills, shopping etc. She wanted to have friends over to celebrate a birthday and I was going to help her. She couldn't put together what we would need to purchase for food for the luncheon. I'd say, well if we have chicken salad, what would we need to buy and she could not figure it out. Then there were unpaid bills and she started going to the grocery store and purchasing one or two things like angle food cake and cookies but no real food. Now I do everything for her.
@@vzeimen it is such a horrible disease. It robs our loved ones everyday of simple tasks that they were always very capable of doing in the past. My husband was the type of man that if something broke he could take it apart and fix it no problem. Yesterday our garage door opener wouldn’t work and needed new batteries. He couldn’t figure out how to open it and just became frustrated. It’s worse I believe because they know they should be able to do these simple things but can no longer get their mind to function.
I pray for you and your wife.its not an easy journey we are on.
My LO diagnosed with FTD definitely has trouble with executive functioning. At one point his socially inappropriate words and behavior became such a big problem that he has chosen to limit the places he goes and the length of time away from home in order to avoid causing trouble. He doesn't understand why people get upset with him. Later, when he finally grasps the situation, he's embarrassed, ashamed and mortified by his actions. He was always such a kind-hearted extrovert before this disease. Now he's fearful, anxious, and stays home 98% of the time. He doesn't want to interact with but a handful of people. It's sad. 😢
My husband diagnosed 5 years ago with Alzheimer’s he us now age 69. We learned of it through testing with a numerologist , 4 different ones to be exact (we were answer shopping). He was driving at the time and ran our home finances, ect… It has been a long road of learning and still learning, not just about Alzheimer’s but learning and taking on the tasks my husband did so effortlessly while maintaining my own tasks. Being at peace with where he is now in his journey and just being together and enjoying every moment together rather than trying to bring back the person he was a few short years ago has helped me. I was recently told he is in severe stage - whatever that is. So far he can walk in mornings about a mile, splash in pool so that does bot seem sever. He is unable to complete sentences or take in what is being said to him exactly but we manage. He still smiles and makes me smile.
I hope to learn when and how to transition to depends-several accidents also how to start to ask to help him since he is having trouble. Thanks for your content.
Please note;he does not go in pool alone or that willingly. I am always with him, saftalarms on door ect… floation belt-just incase Anyone was wondering . its not as simple as I wrote it, but its part of the process and journey . Its not the same as when he was without cognitive decline but we embrace and shift. He enjoys it so much.
Bless you both. You are a wise woman. My husband's experience was much like yours. He is now 71 and is unable to walk or bear weight. He utters only words. He is unable to feed himself or even scratch his nose. Yet he still smiles and makes me smile. He likes good food, old movies and music. He knows what love is...and I love him so much. Even in this state he is a beautiful man.
Prayers for both of you. I’m right behind you can relate to most of what you wrote. Mine was also the bill payer, and errand runner, could fix/remodel anything, and always drove. Now I’m the bill payer, and errand runner, and do all the driving. You don't want me fixing or remodeling anything though. 😊 He is not as advanced as your husbands are but I know my day is coming. Hang in there ladies. ❤
You too! It's a long road...a long good bye. I have learned that if I stay in caregiver mode I am strong. But if I revert to wife, lover, best friend and sweetheart , I get weak with emotions and heart break. It's a pleasure to be here for him...yet I do get lonely and very tired.God is with us all.🙏❤️
@@patsybehm3759 I couldn't agree more. As I stated, mine is not as advanced but parts of him are gone forever. I find it odd to miss my husband when he's sitting right in front of me. I love and cherish him and I'm thankful I can care for him. But know that'll end at some point as well. 🥲
My husband was recently diagnosed with FTD but symptoms have been for many years. We were trying to figure it out, it just seemed to be so many other things. Everything you said is 100% spot on. So hard and heartbreaking. Thank you for the little card idea. I’ve been saying I wish I had a sign I could hold up to explain to people, especially in public when we’re around strangers. Thank you. ❤
Thank you for this information! I’m starting the journey with a friend whom we suspect has dementia. She’ll undergo testing short and is very anxious and resistant. The battle is “I’m not stupid. They think I’m stupid.” I just hope we can get past the first steps!
Yes, my LO has shown this problem for a few years but it is growing. Not just planning, finances but more noticeable now in cooking and out with people. Saying quiet things or thoughts outloud without any remorse. Thank you for your training. ❤
My husband showed trouble with executive function from the onset. He has vascular dementia. The tips you gave I use and they are very helpful! Thank you Dr.Natali for your kind & helpful lessons. You’re amazing.💕
Hello from the UK. Ive learnt so much from these videos over the last few years. Here we are only offered an assessment if the person cant manage daily tasks. So i stuggle on best I can while he becomes less and less able in this area. Ive decided to set up a carers support group in our area as there is none at rhe moment. Not only will it help others who are unpaid carers but im sure will help me too! I will be recommending your videos to anyone caring for someone who has these symptoms, whether diagnosed or not. Tks for all the effort you put in to giving out such helpful tips.
This information is very helpful. My husband has been diagnosed ( age 67) with mild cognitive impairment and our family has noticed his decline. I am interested in your views on diet and cognitive function, as I have been following Dr Georgia Ede and Amy Burger who has an excellent book The Alzheimer’s antidote. I feel we need more cohesion among specialists.
My husband had a right frontal brain tumor the size of an orange. We were confused how that could be possible with only slight symptoms.
Funny smell and funny feeling in his head. Turned out to be an oligdendroglioma and only partially removed during first surgery and massive radiation.
After nine years there was new growth and a second surgery was required. Now almost all of his right frontal lobe is gone and he functions at about the level of a five year old. So sad. I recognize every one of these issues and he is pretty much reduced to remaining at home and smoking marijuana all day. Thank God it’s legal here or he would be in a care facility. I still look for help with some chores I am not able to do and am disappointed every time. So hard to break old habits. When he was first diagnosed we were told the reason we did not notice any massive changes in function was that the right frontal lobe was a silent area of the brain. Yeah right. I feel so disserved by the medical professionals. They did not inform us at all. We went into this blind. Not that we would have done anything differently but it sure would have been nice to know what to expect. Thank you for your useful
Information and God bless all the people dealing with this issue.
@louiserecktenwall918 . Sorry about medical incapacity to assist you. Many people have suffered through this. Wish you the best ❤
Thank you for this information. My husband definitely is experiencing this issue.
Some of these behaviors I’ve had all my life.
That is likely ADD.
@@marywiggins7411 yes probably. I think if you look up adhd in the dictionary you will see my picture
Consider ADHD!
@Cranky Grandma . EXACTLY! Which is what makes diagnosis so difficult - as some people have commented in their posts,
it could easily be ADHD rather than dementia. Or a combination, evolving in pattern & severity as aging progresses? Tricky to discern, and I don't think edical practitioners are currently adept at making these distinctions. ❤
Yep, my son was diagnosed with ADD at age 17. It took so long to figure out because he is a calm introvert with a very high IQ
My Dad has dementia. He refused to continue care with the neurologist, and my step-mom is not empowered to take the reins. Like most people, she does not know how to deal with it, and I have tried telling her that it will cause him anxiety when she (constantly) tries to correct his "wrong" answers. I have asked to to please NOT correct him when he is having a conversation with me because I do not care if he says the same thing 10 times or if he says something that did not happen. She does not have access to the internet, but I would love to help her access this information that she desperately needs for her sanity and my dads overall health.
Are there care centers in your area for seniors with dementia? She could seek help there. She can go to the library for internet while he goes to 'day care' a couple times a week.
Are you sure your mother doesnt also have a degree of cognitive decline. We found this with my Brother in law constantly correcting and arguing the point with his wife even though it had been explained to him over and over. He also could not accept that she was not going to 'get better' Very sad.
Now I understand why my hubby, who has FTD, repeats a routine day after day. He is panic when I take him to see new things.
I am glad that I make things as simple as possible and let him stay with his routine.
Thanks for let us know about this executive functioning.
Thank you for the knowledge and support!
Loved knowing this. I have TBIs and this helps.
My husband always takes care of everything including Bills financing
Now he is no longer able to do any of these things anymore
Take a shower only once a week
Very aggressive and irritated always wants his way also terrible behaviour problem not able to help himself Hallucinations wandering rummage Paranoid accusations Delusional keep asking the same questions Omg and so much more
Forgetting he had his meals
May God help you to be strong.
I truly hope you have gone to a doctor to obtain some diagnosis, and advice for you to help your beloved xxxx
Questioning my executive functioning here. Aren't ten past three, 3:10, and ten minutes after three all the same time?🤔
Yes but she was pointing out that saying it was minutes indicates what she calls concrete thinking. We normally do the shortcut and don’t say it’s minutes.
My husband has it is called Frontotemporal Dementia…I was told that it is the result of mini-strokes in the brain.
Very helpful Dr Natalie. Thank you. My mother is now in a care home. She was diagnosed with Parkinson's and LBD last summer/autumn.
Thank you, this really put a lot into perspective.
I was diagnosed with mild dementia in Feb. Because the Neurobi had at the time shouldnt be oracticing, ive started over with a new one that us as different as night and day. All i know us it isnt Alzhiemers. Sorry for mispells. It wont let me correct. The dementia has caused dyalexia, and my impaired vision causes my mispells.
Sending a big hug your way XX
Bless you
Thanks!
Great question.
Thank you so much!
Thank you for this info!❤
My husband has FTD, this explains some things!
My father can no longer have two eating utensils because he gets confused on which one to use..
He is also having trouble when it comes to taking medicine. He will get the pill in his mouth, but “glitches” when it comes time to take a drink and swallow it down. Like his brain is stuck on what to do next.
The crazy thing is that I got him an electronic drum kit to help dispel some of the anxiousness and tapping. I put headphones on him with tunes playing and the drums. (The crazy part) He can independently use the foot pedals and play the drums. While the beat may not replicate what he is playing along to, he keeps a rhythm going between his hands and feet. Something I have a hard time doing myself…
I’m finding that music is his home place. Makes him feel normal. He hardly speaks on his own, unless spoken to. He can’t get his words together,but he’ll flat out “sing along” the same we do when we love a song but don’t know the words.
I liken it to remembering the 'what' but not the 'how'. Hubby knows to get the table set, or teeth brushed, but cannot actually do it himself. His memory isn't affected, but mobility, incontinence, decisions etc all are
Thank you for all your helpful videos.
My wife with moderate Alzheimer's is having difficulty associating words with objects. I'll tell her something is next to the phone, she does not know where to look.
Do you have a video that addresses this?
Great topic and well explained and helpful thanks again Dr Nat
I've seen the behavioural issues mentioned here categorised as "disinhibition"associated with frontal lobe impairment.
I'm more familiar with executive function being limited to planning, preparing for, initiating, persisting with, and completing tasks.
I'd have covered executive function impairment and disinhibition in different presentations.
Funny story about the "secrets of the test". My dad went thru all those test, the clock, remember 3 words.. when my mom was diagnosed. when my dad started having problems, vascular dementia, I saw alot of the same things with him....when they first started "testing" him, he said I got their tricks i memorized all those wit your mom, LOL
His blurt out triggers are, fat women and tattoos, or weird hair color😂,needless to say Walmart is quite entertaining, I use to get so embarrassed but now I just go with it and change the subject or don't worry about what people think because I'm now much more aware of what others may be going thru. but I really like the little card idea, my loved one has dementia sometimes they say things outlook that.... ill try that❤
This is the only symptom my mother in law has. On her tests everything was normal but this. Last year I wondered if she had ADHD and put in place the tools recommended for that issue. It really helped actually but she soon got so bad that she can’t get herself dressed because she can’t decide on what clothes to wear. She can’t even make a cup of coffee without her husband telling her what to do step by step. Thankfully she is not saying inappropriate things yet but she does forget to put her skirt back on after going to the loo sometimes. The first thing she did that made me sure something serious was amiss was a small thing. We had a bowl of olives to share and she loves them. She put her pits back in the bowl. This is a horrific lack of etiquette for a lady brought up in the upper class.
Looking back there were signs she was struggling many years ago. She had little piles of paperwork all over the house. She hoarded clothes. She would lose track of a conversation. We used to joke about her rambling anecdotes about people we never met which had nothing to do with the previous conversation. Hoarding in general seems to be a good dementia warning. My mum was not demented but she got a unitary infection aged 93 and slowly went delirious. She started hoarding food in weird places the week before she collapsed.
Interesting about the clock. I understand now why it is a good test. The mother in law tried to do it with Roman numerals, which was her upper class education priority with no planning about spacing. Don’t get me started about the bone handled butter knives…
After I had brain tumor surgery that's left me with executive dysfunction. They would give me a series of 6 words, read a couple of paragraphs to me, then have me repeat those same 6 words..that was so hard!
My husband was diagnosed with Alzheimer’s 4 years sho. However he had executive functioning issues prior to his diagnosis by neurophysiological testing. The last annual neuropsychological testing caused him so much anxiety that the doctor said there’s no further need for these exams. He is in the moderate stage currently. He cannot follow a clear step by step recipe with photos, has difficulty following steps in any process. Giving simple single step directions only. I have a question about wanting to downsize on our home. How do I approach the topic when he refuses to even entertain the idea of moving?
It’s difficult to tell if my mother has the executive functioning dementia or just poor social skills. But I’m going to guess she started off with poor social skills due to childhood trauma, including hearing loss. But now it is apparent that she has executive functioning dementia. ❤
Observation
Hello dr. Natali, hi everyone. My mom was diagnosed with probable vascular and degenerative dementia. She often steal things when she's at my place or even when people go see her and leave their things around. Could you make a video on this particular condition? Is it common? Thank you very much 🤗
How will you do the clock test for GenZ people who never were taught using a conventional clock?
I love you for providing this information. You are a good person (obviously). Thank you. Just thank you.
Thank you for sharing this helpful information. Can I find out at what stage of dementia would a loved one be experiencing challenges with executive functioning?
It’s difficult to tell if my mother has the executive functioning dementia or just pour social skills. I’m going to guess that she had poor social skills when she was younger, and now that she has dementia it’s more apparent. ❤
1001 interested in more info on mixed diagnosis. NP testing indicated too slow progession to be FT. Curious if maybe Ft and Vascular and poss ALZ.
Wow😮
If diagnosed early is there ways to slow or stop progression or are we just being informed it exists and can start to learn how we can deal with it?
New something. Not about this video. About moving on, moving forward after the loss of a loved one. What helps greatly as I have said before, is knowing that they would want you to go on with life and not grieve so much you waste away and pass yourself. That is step 1 for your mind. Step 2 I have just found is part of step 1. Actually, do move on, move forward. You will never forget them, I found that to be a fear. That I might forget them, people might see that I may be moving forward very quickly and take it as I am over it to easily. Maybe I didn't love so much. How long should I be "triggered" into difficulty in speech, and show tears or slight tears? While people will be supportive, and be sorry for your loss etc. It will put people off after a year of that triggering in the presence of same people. If you happen to find a new partner, they will feel secondary. Not that they are bad in any way. I am not saying to not be triggered and cry anywhere any time. I did and I was. There are varying ideas on how long it takes for grief to ease. That will be different for everyone. My point? You will find strength by moving forward after you realize not only is it what they would want you to do, but go 1 more step, pick yourself up and DO IT. That is the best honor you can show for them. The best way to show your love and caring, move forward, actually move forward after the loss, not just know it is what they would want. 💖💖
My husband certainly has the problem on occasion so far.
Mine too. And his anger and frustration are taken out on me.
Hey Natalie 👋
I have a question on dementia and irritation when at something that requires executive function. I'm the one with Lewy body dementia is this part of the process or am I just being sensitive. I'm having to prep vegetables to fry and put something in the oven when suddenly I just want to say NO! I don't want to cook anymore period.. But it's not from being rebellious I just can't seem to cope
What do we see regarding FTD, Mild Cognitive Decline, and Alzheimer's amongst those with Autism-related disorders? Are the autistic less or more likely to be pre-disposed to dementia, particularly Alzheimers?
Great question.
Hi! Thanks for this. I am 78, and have noticed myself losing exec. function regarding paying bills., checking for appointments daily on my phone Reminders, etc. I don’t know how to fix these probs but the thing is-I just put things aside mindlessly. Do you have any suggestions for me? Thanks.
How does the Dr. Diagnose Dementia? If Mri is normal but neuro test scores are low? And its not Alzheimer's. Thank You
Many of these indicators are also present in depression.
Okay, I’ve listened to the “ten past three” example four times. What am I missing? 😬
Yes, I think she meant to say 10 to 3 hands position as mistake as 10 past 3 mirrors first statement.
I listened it to multiple times as well 😊
She said 10 past three. That would be 10 mins after 3
Yes, me too. If she meant to say 10 if 3 (as in 2:50...I could understand the huge mistake a person could make but 3 ten and 10 past 3 have the same visual.)
I mean, every time given is Always an hour and a minute of some combination...stated or implied combination.
PAST or AFTER means same as applied to the number of minutes.
I'm dense. Missing something.
❤Whe my husband get mad his pirce out of his eyes now he's talking in the third person that he wants to kill us 🎉🎉🎉happily 4
where did I see that a nicotine patch reduces Parkinson's symptoms? Also put these guys on high saturated fat diet.
This is so my mom with Alzheimer’s and gets worse by the day
😂 Obiden