Michelle Macadangdang with her husband David

Looking for joy: A carer for whom the future is scary, but whose smile is real

Michelle Macadangdang says that nothing prepared her for dealing with her husband’s dementia.

‘I no longer see myself as a wife – I’m a carer. My role has evolved and it’s a distant kind of relationship, which is very sad.’ 

Having spent much of her working life supporting people with dementia, Michelle Macadangdang never imagined that her family would be so directly affected by the condition.

Her 49-year old husband David has young-onset Alzheimer’s disease, which has completely changed their connection as a couple. 

‘I can’t consult with him about decisions and there’s no affection or terms of endearment from him,’ says Michelle, who lives in Grays in Essex. ‘I miss who he was as a person.’ 

But despite the many challenges that she and her young family face, Michelle has managed to stay smiling. 

‘I reflect on how I’ve progressed and been able to cope,’ she says. ‘If you’re strong and have a positive mindset, you can get to where you need to be.’

Michelle Macadangdang with her family

Michelle and family in Marbella, the same year David was diagnosed.

Family joker 

Michelle describes David as laid back, humorous and a peacemaker. 

‘He was quite a sociable person – the joker in the family,’ she says. ‘I was the worrier but he could balance the situation. He was a lovely guy and a great husband.’ 

David’s role within the family allowed Michelle – a regional director for a private care home provider – to pursue and progress her career. 

‘David has a first-class degree in applied biology, but he was happy to be a post person at Royal Mail,’ she says. ‘I’m ambitious and work a lot, so he’s been the one to do things like taking the kids to school – I appreciate that.’

Police call 

In 2015, David took an MMSE (Mini-Mental State Examination), which tests memory and other mental abilities, after Michelle noticed changes in his behaviour. When the test couldn’t find anything wrong, Michelle arranged for them to try relationship counselling. However, they stopped because David struggled to express his feelings. 

David started becoming more forgetful and unkempt, even though he’d always taken pride in his appearance. 

‘I knew something wasn’t right,’ recalls Michelle. ‘Having worked with it, I did think it could be dementia.’ 

A consultant gave a diagnosis of pseudodementia, where someone has symptoms that look like dementia but which are actually caused by depression. Although David was prescribed antidepressants, things didn’t improve. 

David worked evening shifts but started getting home even later than usual, blaming bad traffic on the roads. In October 2016, Michelle got a call from the police at 2.30 in the morning, saying they’d found David driving on the wrong side of the road. 

‘I wanted something to be physically wrong, as even a tumour can be fixed, but nothing was found,’ says Michelle. 

David was diagnosed with frontotemporal dementia in October 2017, which was amended to early-onset Alzheimer’s last year. 

‘I wept in that consulting room,’ says Michelle. ‘They told me what I knew but didn’t want to hear.’

Michelle Macadangdang

Michelle spoke to Gareth over Zoom.

Rapid decline 

Michelle and David have been able to enjoy trips abroad in recent years, though these have been marked by changes in David’s behaviour and abilities. 

‘In Florida in 2018 I noticed his gait had changed. He was also less patient and becoming more irritated,’ says Michelle. ‘Last year we went to Israel and his mobility and balance wasn’t great. That holiday was a transition into me being a carer. 

‘His decline has become quite rapid in the past year. Conversation is very limited because of his speech and comprehension, and he now struggles to say our children’s names, which is difficult for them and him.’ 

The recent coronavirus lockdown has presented additional challenges. 

‘David used to go to a day centre every two weeks, but that stopped, so now he just has his daily walk,’ says Michelle. ‘He doesn’t understand social distancing, so I have to steer him away from other people. 

‘He doesn’t always get a drink, so is at risk of dehydration, and I had to feed him the rest of his meal today.’ 

David’s also been diagnosed with corticobasal syndrome, where damage to brain cells causes problems with movement, balance and co-ordination that get worse over time. 

‘There’s a lot going on,’ says Michelle. ‘I have thought to myself, “I’m only 44 – I shouldn’t be going through this.”’

Family faith 

Michelle says the support of her mum – who provides day-to-day care for David – has been ‘fundamental’, while her children, aged 11 and 16, have also continued to adapt. 

‘My son helps David with showering and shaving. David can’t speak to him, so that’s their connection,’ says Michelle. 

David used to be an assistant pastor at a local church, and the family’s Christian faith has been central to how they cope with their situation. 

‘Our son has described his feelings within our family prayers, even though he didn’t want to say anything to me directly,’ says Michelle. ‘If it wasn’t for my faith, I don’t think I’d be able to smile every day.’ 

Michelle made sure to get a lasting power of attorney in place while David was still able to set this up. She’s also been grateful for support from other carers she’s befriended on social media and for bereavement counselling, which was suggested to her by Alzheimer’s Society. 

We’ve given Michelle advice about disability benefits and how to access hospice and community care services. We also put David in touch with a volunteer who visited and read the Bible with him.

Michelle Macadangdang with her family

Michelle’s mum Rose with the family this year.

Not hiding 

Michelle hopes that her story will give strength to others. 

‘To watch somebody you love lose their abilities at such a young age is heartbreaking,’ she says. ‘I never thought it would be us. 

‘I didn’t want to be dealing with mobility, continence, personal care. Nothing can prepare you, not even a care background, for that personal experience of dementia. But I’m still here, and if I can get through it, anybody can.’ 

A key element of Michelle’s approach is a commitment to looking after herself as well as David. 

‘That’s really important,’ she says. ‘I still go out with my friends. I don’t want to lose my identity because my husband has lost his. 

‘My work also gives me time to be away from home and have my mind on something else. It’s a release during lockdown and I don’t feel guilty about it.’ 

As she strives to maintain a positive perspective, Michelle’s inner strength may sometimes surprise people. 

‘I know they want to empathise, but I hate it when someone says, “It’s OK, you don’t have to smile.” They assume I’m hiding behind a smile because I can’t overcome this – but I’m not. 

‘My kids and husband are happy. Yes, life is difficult and the future is scary, but we’re OK. I can still see joy in the here and now, and if you can’t see joy then you’ve got to look for it.’

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Dementia together magazine: Aug/Sept 20

Dementia together magazine is for everyone in the dementia movement and anyone affected by the condition.
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15 comments

This helped me Michelle. My husband is also younger, and we were not expecting this at this point. We live in USA, and help is expensive.
Good luck and love. Thank you for your story.

Thank you for the article. My 65 year old Mum has dementia and since her diagnosis in Spring, her decline (personality changes including aggression, confusion) has been alarming to us, although apparently not abnormal. I am desperately worried about my Dad who has become a full time carer (we love 400 miles away). The double blow of caring for Mum and negotiating life without a partner seems overwhelming. I am wracked with guilt with my time split between children, work and parents. We do try to enjoy the happy times, and they are still there, but the future holds some very difficult decisions

❤💯🌹🌹❤🌹

Wow I manage a day centre in Laindon and care for adults with Dementia and I am so touched by your story. Its great that someone can still read the bible to David. I think that is very Important and person centred. Stay strong blessings.

The Alzheimers society has been so helpful with catering for our personal needs. Thank you for your kind thoughts

Inspiring; my husband has been to 2 neurologists that gave him 2 memory tests that I thought a lot of people could easily fail. He didn’t do that badly at all . They simply prescribed a genetic forairecrpt and have us an appointment for 6 months from now. I’m at a loss

Michelle Thankyou for sharing your story. I too am caring for my husband who turned 57 today and 2 years into his diagnosis the decline is scary. Our path seems to mirror yours and although our sons are older, they are finding it difficult to see their Dad this way.

Hi Lisa, I'm sorry to hear about your husband. Sam, my son is quite a happy young lad but my daughter told me the other day that he saw a picture of him and his dad when he was still little and it made him cry. I think that these moments are healthy and helps them express, maybe the words that can't be said. The Alzheimers Society and hospice helped my children by coming round and having a session with them. Sometimes it's easier for family to connect with outsiders about things that concern them. Xx

I feel like your husband is me...i too wonder if i have early onset dementia. I am too ashamed to ask for help and live overseas with my 8 year old son and wife. I thinks she sees my decline but does not want to admit to it to herself. I don't think I can get help in Malaysia.

Hello Charles,
Thank you for getting in touch. This must be such a troubling time for you.
If you're worried about memory problems, it's important to speak with your doctor to discuss any symptoms or changes you have noticed. Going through an assessment as early as possible can give you a number of advantages - we have listed some here: https://www.alzheimers.org.uk/about-dementia/symptoms-and-diagnosis/dem…
There is the Alzheimer’s Disease Foundation Malaysia - they do have a helpline you can contact: http://adfm.org.my/contact/
In the meantime, you may find it helpful to speak with people affected by dementia about their experiences. We have an online community called Talking Point where you can share your thoughts: https://www.alzheimers.org.uk/get-support/dementia-talking-point-our-on…
We hope this is helpful, Charles.
-
Alzheimer's Society blog team

I'm sorry you are so worried. Please seek medical advice as your symptoms could be something other than dementia and even treatable 🙏🏼. Then talk to your wife. Once you know what you are dealing with she will want to decide with you where you should be as a family to best cope with the diagnosis. Best wishes.

This is absolutely inspiring. May God bless your family more and more. I pray that God will you all the strength and the joy and the peace that you need .

Thank you Jirah xx

Keep going Michelle! God ❤️s you all and is with you and the family. He will enable you with His grace and supernatural strength to continue to be a good wife and carer to David as well as a wonderful mom to your children. Thank God your mum is helping you out. Keep up that beautiful and joyous smile of yours!😄

Thank you for your kind words and encouragement Lim x