My spouse is becoming very forgetful about things that would normally be remembered. I’m worried that the cause may be Alzheimer’s disease or other dementia. What should I do?

1. Medical Evaluation
   • Schedule an appointment with a qualified physician (ideally a neurologist or geriatric specialist) to determine the cause of your spouse’s forgetfulness.
   • Conditions like depression, vitamin deficiencies, or medication side effects can mimic dementia, so it’s important to get an accurate diagnosis.
2. Understand Decision-Making Capabilities
   • Once a diagnosis is made, ask the doctor to assess your spouse’s cognitive abilities, particularly regarding their capacity to make decisions about their affairs.
   • Questions to ask include:
     • Can they understand the extent of their property and identify their heirs?
     • Are they capable of understanding contracts or legal documents?
     • Can they recognize and trust individuals to manage their affairs?
3. Legal Preparation
   • If the Spouse Has Capacity:
     • Consult an elder and estate planning attorney immediately.
     • Prepare key documents such as:
       • Durable Powers of Attorney (for financial and medical matters)
       • Wills
       • Trusts (if appropriate)
     • Early action can reduce future legal and financial complications.
   • If the Spouse Lacks Capacity:
     • You may need to petition for Guardianship (personal affairs) and Conservatorship (financial affairs) in probate court.
     • This process can be costly, time-consuming, and public, so early intervention is crucial to avoid it when possible.
4. Proactive Measures
   • If there’s no formal diagnosis yet, but you’re noticing changes, encourage open communication with your spouse about their wishes and plans while they’re still able to articulate them.
   • Even without dementia, everyone should have an updated estate plan and healthcare directive in place to prepare for unforeseen circumstances.
5. Seek Support
   • Caregiving for someone with dementia or cognitive decline can be overwhelming. Look into support groups, caregiver resources, and community services to help manage the emotional and practical aspects.