Father’s Denial of Dementia Diagnosis Frustrates Daughter

Dear Carol: My dad’s been experiencing memory lapses and making sketchy decisions. I finally got him into a neurologist who diagnosed him with dementia, most likely mixed Alzheimer’s and vascular dementia. He’s 84 and in good general health, so he insists he’s fine. Dad said the doctor didn’t know what he was doing so I took him to a memory specialist who confirmed the diagnosis. Dad now says they are “in cahoots.” I’m told that this denial isn’t unusual, but it’s making it difficult to get his legal paperwork done and plan for the future. Well, that, and just trying to manage his life. What a daughter to do? – CV

Dear CV: Your frustration is normal. It’s hard when we know what needs to be done and we’re met with complete denial of the facts. I’m sorry you’re facing this battle. Some people are aware that their memory is declining and that it’s become harder to make sense of the world. What freezes them in denial is the understandable fear…

Continue reading on Inforum for the complete article on the reasons for dementia denial:

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