Craig was 59 when we finally received his diagnosis after being referred to a Memory Clinic. For a long time, we had known that something wasn’t right. Craig had been treated for his mental health, and while we were grateful for the support, I always felt there was something more going on. His personality and behaviour had changed in ways that didn’t quite fit with depression or anxiety alone. When we eventually received the diagnosis of bvFTD, it was devastating, but it was also a relief. At last, we had an explanation for the changes we had been living with. It helped us understand that the behaviours were symptoms of a neurological condition, not choices Craig was making. That understanding brought a small sense of clarity during an otherwise overwhelming time.
The main advice we were given at diagnosis was to get our affairs in order, which we took very seriously. It felt like one practical, positive step we could take in a situation where so much felt out of our control. We completely updated our Wills, and arranged Enduring Powers of Attorney, making sure that everything was in place for the future. I’m very grateful we were able to do it while Craig still had the capacity to be fully involved and make his wishes clear. Since then, our journey has been about adapting to change, finding support where we can, and taking each day as it comes.
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