Colin here in Glasgow

Hi to GGAT members from Colin here in Glasgow, my partner Eric is finding it increasingly difficult to do anything leading to bouts of extreme frustration which seems to always be directed at me. He often drops his glasses and then spends hours looking for them cursing me at the same time. He is also experiencing Sundowning where he gets agitated and restless in early evenings leading to pacing and wanderings at night. He is extremely defensive when asked simple questions. I have read the groups suggestions of creating Routines around the house and I am in the process of putting things in motion so let’s hope it works for my sake. I watch him slowly slipping away into his own world and I feel I am unable to get him back to any form of normality so yes i admit I often have a few tears when it all gets too much and there doesn’t seem to be anywhere to turn too. Pre dementia Eric was a good man and an exceptional husband, we never fell out or argued so the symptoms of Erics Frontotemporal Dementia which the doctor has explained to me, are to blame for Erics current situation, The doctor has suggested that more help and support would be the way to go as Erics symptoms may only get worse as the illness progresses which is why I am now in the process of discussion with our local care authority right now. He’s been good this morning and it’s a while since we’ve taken our little westie for a walk together so I’m going to see if Eric will join us today. The dog is the love of his life, he sleeps on Erics side of the bed, I don’t get a second look. I often feel quite alone at times but today Billy is here Erics brother so he will sit with him if he doesn’t want to take the dog for a walk. Can I just say to all new carers it takes dedication, compassion and a heart as big as a football to live alongside your loved one who lives with Dementia, we have to show big dollops of generosity and an undying love when faced daily with anger, confusion and heartache. It really is sole destroying at times. Can I just say a big thankyou this group Gays Get Alzheimer’s Too for creating a platform where we can express our true feelings with others going though the same experiences. I will endeavour to keep the members informed off future developments of Erics Dementia Journey Message from Granny Engaging with the group is the best way for members to share their experiences which in turn can help other members struggling with issues that they havn’t found the coping mechanism for yet. If we work together we can help each other.