Another day, a little sadder...

My mother realized how much things had changed when she was on errands and couldn’t find her way back home. Luckily, she had her cell phone. Pop and the siblings weren’t home, so she called me.

She had pulled into a parking spot across from a Safeway’s, so I sent her an Uber with detailed instructions and they got her home safely. She later said that was her scariest experience of the illness. Pop and my brother retrieved the car. Mom never drove again. 🥺

One time my dad took my mom to the doctor. After checking in she asked if she could use the bathroom. The receptionist said sure. She took her in the back and the bathroom was the first door on the left. My dad waited in the waiting room. He was reading a magazine and time was going by. He asked the receptionist to check on my mom. The bathroom was empty. That prompted a search for her. They found her wandering around in the next building over looking for the waiting room. ☹️ Fortunately she was fine, but the confusion couldn't be ignored.

I'm sorry to hear that. The shift in cognitive abilities shifts the ground of everyone standing near it. Has your wife been properly diagnosed yet, or should she have a neural check? There can be multiple reasons for cognitive difficulties and each are treated differently.

But yes, this is probably the path forward. It's a difficult and heartbreaking one. My suggestion to you is this: See to your needs, too. And if this is an unstoppable parting of ways, then live as though every single day is the only one you get and grieve her loss in doses along the way. It's a hard way through, but it is a way through.

By deepest thoughts for you.

And she’s allowed to drive herself to the doctor?
My brother made this mistake many years ago with our father, who at the time was exhibiting early signs of dementia. He sent dad to pick up some pizza from a location that was straight down the street about three blocks. When he didn’t return in a few minutes, my brother and his mechanic began to worry and set out to find him. An hour later they got a phone call from a store, as dad never carried a cell, wondering if someone could help. They went and rescued him, this was his last solo venture.

I only found your message just now. So sorry to hear that your wife is struggling with this issue and of course, her family suffers with her.
I worked for two couples who went through this. So heartbreaking to see the changes.

It should be a top priority for the world's scientists and doctors to find a cure and/or effective treatment for Alzheimer's disease and dementia. Any of us could get it when we reach old age.

Has she had a proper physical work up to make sure this isn't something physical?