Welcome to the board Carol,
I just lost my sweet DH at 56 years old about a month and a half ago. He had Pick's disease and it also started out with the checkbook. He was a salesman for years and always as sharp as a tack so that was my first indication that something was up. After every test you can imagine which showed nothing, it was the neuropsychological testing that showed everything. After the visit to the neurologist he was put on Aricept & Namenda but I also requested an anti-depressant to help with what was to come. His doctor recommended Effexor and it did a wonderful job for my DH. I think because of his age and his sweet demeanor, he never really got ugly. Early on I also talked to him about what he wanted as far as his care and he wanted to be at home so at about stage 4 I hired in home caregivers, (Mom & daughter team) which he came to love. I still work full time so one of them was with him every day. I think it had a lot to do with the timing because I wanted him to get to know them before he progressed to a point where he would think they were strangers. You might also try to find things for him to do that he likes during the day that might keep him busy. Keeping a schedule really helps (doing the same things each day, ie. bathing, eating, walks etc) as this helps him feel secure and hopefully will reduce the ugly times. Keeping things simple and quiet around the house also helps. I think he probably gets very frustrated when he realizes that things are "normal" and he can't do the things he used to and he gets angry. If he had any hobbies or interests before, try to integrate some of those things into his day too but obviously at a level he can enjoy. You also need to take care of you too. Check with your local ALZ office if you haven't already, as they have many wonderful services and seminars that will help you cope. The 36 Hour Day is a dementia bible and also is a great source of information for you. I hope this has helped somewhat and please keep coming back...we are all here for you.

Love and prayers,
Janie

Thank you so much Janie, I appreciate all of your ideas. He's on Aricept and it sure helps. He had a cousin with Picks and boy was that ever sad. 56 is way too young to go. Jim seems content most of the time but not driving is the big bugaboo. His license is gone and right now I'm trying to get him off the insurance via the doctor to the state. Unfortunately, he was raised by his parents that work was the only saving grace and he never had any hobbies. I will talk with the doctor about the antidepressant on his next visit in 2 weeks. Thanks again, Carol