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Recently my husband has had mood swings from sudden, unprovoked fury to smarmy affection that feels creepy. I almost prefer the anger. Ten minutes later, he's forgotten what he said, and denies ever saying it.
I'm hoping that this is just a stage and not going to be permanent. Any advice would be appreciated.

You need to talk to his doctor. My mom's rages are gone and she is a much happier person on meds. It took a while to get the right combo and the right dose of each.
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Reply to JustAnon
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I agree with MG8522 and others, definitely ask his neurologist about meds or increasing them if he’s already on them. My dad was like this exactly at one point. Bursts of anger alternating with smarmy affection towards my mom — WAY more sentimental than he he ever been in 50+ years of marriage before then. I think the rational part of his brain had deteriorated to the point where only raw emotions were left. And he had no more “filters.”

I was worried for her safety as well as his and definitely worried about my mom’s mental well being also. She was mentally and emotionally strung out much of the time for a couple of years. Like brink of a nervous breakdown and contemplating ending it all one way or another (but never agreeing to memory care or AL!)

Between the meds and the progression of his FTD, he gradually did become more apathetic. His emotions petered out also. To the point where he barely spoke, refused to shower or change his clothes, lost the understanding of day or night, and rarely moved. In some ways that was easier, but I have to say, none of the stages were “good” with him.
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Reply to Suzy23
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Has your husband been checked for a UTI, as often sudden changes in behaviors can be attributed to that.
And if he doesn't have one then it may be time to talk to his doctor about what medications may help keep him more calm.
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Reply to funkygrandma59
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freqflyer Apr 7, 2026
funkygrandma59, I was thinking the same thing, possibly an Urinary Tract Infection as that can mimic behaviors in dementia.
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Make sure you are his Durable PoA so that if he needs to go into a facility you have the legal ability to make it happen. If he gets even verbally aggressive you need to consider calling 911 so here is a record of his rage behavior. I’m so sorry you have to deal with this. I agree that meds may help him.
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Reply to Geaton777
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Please talk with your husband's neurologist immediately about medication(s) that can keep him calm and prevent the rages. This can become a dangerous situation for you. Keep your phone with you at all times in case you need to call for help.
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Reply to MG8522
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Beedevil66 Apr 7, 2026
How much medication is enough before he is almost catatonic?
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