Beginning

My DH also has early onset AD, and exhibits many of the behaviors you describe. I found articles that stated that early onset is almost a different form of the disease, and seems to affect the parts of the brain responsible for speech first. DH still has some speech, but it's getting harder and harder.

My DH has become very cheerful, and is also content to watch old favorite tv shows all the time. He smiles a lot too, and he used to be a very grumpy Type A person. I think emotions are too complex and require too much thought.

2-3 years ago, my DH told me that his brain had "holes" in it and that he wasn't really watching the tv show. Sitting in front of a tv doesn't require any activity or thought. He didn't have to figure anything out.

DH's tv time is good, since otherwise he might be restless, try to do chores or wander the house restlessly, which is upsetting to both of us. I do try to get him to get some other exercise, even if it's only walking to the mailbox or picking up sticks in the yard. Sometimes we'll go to the mall early before the stores open to walk. When he is active during the day, he sleeps much, much better at night (which is good for me).

DH will eat a lot too, whenever he goes through the kitchen. He never had much of a sweet tooth before AD, but now he will grab anything sweet that he can. Even though he constantly snacks, he's very slowly losing weight.

Just because the guy you watch appears to be able to take care of his personal care, don't necessarily trust that he's able to still take care of himself. My DH appeared to be doing everything too, but I discovered that he wasn't using soap in the shower, that he wasn't brushing his teeth well anymore (that was a costly discovery!), and that he was wearing my socks (my sock drawer was easier to find I guess). Some AD patients are pretty good at hiding the things they can't do anymore.