What can I expect now that my husband has dementia?

Question: My husband of 79 has been diagnosed with dementia - vascular. I am having difficulty trying to find out information as to how this will progress - or is there really an answer to this question? He is taking the medication Aricept and has been taking this for over one year. Just what do I expect in the future? I find it difficult to talk to his doctor while my husband is present.

Dr. Amy:  Every person experiences dementia differently, based on their unique makeup. I suggest you make an appointment to talk to your husband’s doctor by yourself. It’s very difficult to diagnose the course of dementia, and a medical doctor is the best person to help you understand what you might expect. If you feel that the doctor is not able to answer your questions or is not able to do a full evaluation, ask him or her for a referral to another medical specialist. At the same time, I recommend www.alz.org as an excellent resource. This web site contains a wealth of helpful information. Good luck!