I perused the forum lists and was somewhat surprised there is not a forum about dementia specifically. [View all]

I just got back from a memorial service for my oldest sister. The first time I’ve seen most of my extended family for awhile. It seems like all my in-laws (spouses of siblings) have or had some form of dementia. The oldest of them passed recently from Parkinson’s. The youngest of them has Parkinson’s. The next to oldest has Alzheimer’s. All men. My sister in law has something that’s obvious but they haven’t elected to tell the rest of us what it is.

None of my siblings have had any of these diseases nor did either parent. Being around them for awhile I realized what a burden it will be for my siblings as their spouses deteriorate. It seems like these type diseases are more common nowadays, or maybe it’s just that we are living longer. It scares me to think it could happen to me. One question I have; does the afflicted person realize they are deteriorating? It’s not something I would ask any of my in-laws but for anyone caring for a loved one with dementia know?