In this heartfelt episode of Dementia Discussions, I sit down with Christine, a member of my Alzheimer's Los Angeles caregiver support group and a wife navigating the difficult journey of her husband Steve's early-onset dementia. Christine and I talk about their 46-year marriage, how his brilliant legal career slowly unraveled, and the emotional toll that comes with losing the person you love in pieces.

Christine shares her personal reflections with honesty, humor, and wisdom. From the early warning signs she didn't recognize, to the agonizing process of telling their adult children and his law firm, to letting go of the life they once knew—Christine brings us into the deeply personal and complex world of caregiving. If you're a spouse, partner, or family caregiver, this episode is full of truths you’ll likely recognize and encouragement you didn’t know you needed.

Episode Highlights: 

[0:40] - Meet Christine and hear how she and Steve met at debate camp as teenagers 

[2:20] - A young love story and a 46-year marriage built on intellect and conversation 

[5:13] - Early signs of cognitive decline during COVID and the initial diagnosis 

[10:15] - The emotional toll of hiding the diagnosis from family and Steve's law firm 

[13:55] - Steve's resignation and the loss of identity that came with it 

[16:55] - Language loss, isolation, and grief within the marriage 

[22:31] - Comparing dementia caregiving to a marathon and facing unpredictable hurdles 

[25:14] - The driving dilemma and setting boundaries for safety 

[29:47] - How caregiving affects patience, control, and old communication habits 

[34:01] - Traveling with someone with dementia and adapting routines 

[39:26] - Christine's coping tools: painting, music, exercise, and alone time 

[42:02] - Recommended reads: Travelers to Unimaginable Lands and Loving Someone Who Has Dementia 

[44:34] - Ambiguous loss and grieving someone who is still here 

[45:52] - Financial challenges and the burden of full responsibility 

[48:49] - Drawing lines for when to seek help or facility care 

[52:15] - Silver linings: finding support in adult children and reclaiming time for herself 

[56:18] - Learning to ask for help and connect with others in vulnerable moments

Do you have a caregiving story to share? Barbara would love to hear from you! Please leave her a message at 310-362-8232 or send her an email through DementiaDiscussions.net. If you found value in today's episode, please don't forget to rate, follow, share, and leave a review. Your feedback helps us reach more listeners and continue producing this content.