My husband is rapidly losing his verbal skills. He cannot remember or confuses the most basic names for things. I am guessing what he is trying to say by asking him subject related questions. Most of the time he can give me a yes or no to my questions, but I often see his frustration when he finally just waves his hand and is silent. I continue to discuss with him everything but it seems that most of the time he listens but cannot interpret what I have said. What can I do?
As his illness progresses and his ability to communicate worsens it will become a worse and worse situation. Get him to the doctor now! He needs to be professionally diagnosed and help be given to get him on the best course possible. Please don't wait another day!
Sometimes those closest to the situation are the most blind to what needs to be done immediately. If you had a young child that suddenly didn't communicate with you the way he used to .... what would you do?
Same for your husband. Get help and get help now!
If you haven't taken him to the doctor or for other help, you should do that. But in many cases, you'll end up finding that every discussion is just going to take much longer and require more of your patience, sometimes having to take place at another time when the person is feeling a bit better.
Also, here's something to remember - you are still operating at your full speed and capacity. You probably think you're slowing down and being pretty patient, but the other person is possibly slowing down faster than you're adjusting to. In some cases, when the person's comprehension is bad, as my mother's sometimes is, you're not going to succeed repeating yourself, either.
I know someone who is in the mild early stages of Lewy Body Dementia. I met him for lunch. He talked almost non-stop, about himself. I said a few things about my situation since my husband died. I was not offended or surprised by his apparent ignoring me. I understand his disease and I am just glad he is functioning as well as he is.
A few days later I got an email, reacting to my statements about my situation. And then he said this: "Just wanted to let you know that I was listening. It sometimes takes awhile to sort out what I hear into what is important and act on it. Kinda goes with the program I am in."
I thought this was a remarkable message! He had taken in what I'd said, but it took a long time for him to process it. Wow! So as other posters have said, patience is really a huge asset in communicating with someone who has dementia.
I realize that your situation is different. The fact that your husband is frustrated in not being able to find the words indicates he still has something to say. Giving him plenty of time and helping in ways others here have suggested may help some. Just being there with him and showing your love is helping.
Again, warm hugs to you. This is so hard, and you are doing your best.