I also posted this in the caring spouses forum but thought I'd throw it out here, too. Anyone else have similar issues with sorting out family?

Yesterday, Derek's son and DIL called and said they were coming by to visit on
their way home from the beach so I invited them to dinner. When I told Derek
they were coming [he hadn't seen Paul for a couple of months] he didn't know
whom I was talking about and I showed him their pictures. He wanted me to write
down their names, as well as the names of their children, so I did. He was
studying these 'notes' all afternoon and I know he's was so worried about not
recognizing them.

We had a wonderful visit. After they left, Derek remarked, "He kept calling me
Dad. Why is that?" I said, "Because Paul is your son". "Oh...I guess I
thought....." I don't know what he thought. Maybe that they were MY kids or
that Paul was his grandson, not his son, or whatever. Maybe more frequent
visits would help. They are both extraordinarily busy people, so I understand.

Derek was so exhausted after the visit that I almost couldn't get him into bed.
But it was worth it.

AND, Paul's wife, Diana, who is a neurosurgeon, has recommended an 'excellent'
neurologist for Derek after I told her he was really unhappy with the last one.
She said to mention her name and they will fit him in.

It's nice that you got a recommendation for another neurologist.

Has your husband been evaluated for Alzheimer's Disease?

Yes and it was not seriously considered. His dx started as PDD since he had definite PD symptoms which were improved by Stalevo. But his cognitive problems [his memory at that time was least affected] showed up about the same time and involved hallucinations and sleep disorders, the dx was later changed to LBD. Only in the past few months has he failed to recognize people [this is apart from Capgras, involving me, which he has displayed for over two years].

LBD usually co-occurs with AD.

At the very start of the dx Frank couldn't remember that he had children or grandchildren. At that time, about 5yrs ago, I put our daughters and grandchildren's pictures on a paper with their names and also a picture of Frank and me sitting together. He usually recognizes everyone but can't always come up with their name, if we're alone I suggest he look at the pictures w/names, but sometimes he can't put it together. I find Frank is also very tired when we have people over or go to one of our girls houses, but it breaks up his day so for now I think it's worth him being exhausted. Frank does mistake all the laughing and joking as arguing because he can't grasp what is being said.

Gerry, that is such a good point! I have to be really careful in my joking [and I'm a person who jokes a lot!] because Derek doesn't get it and usually misconstrues what I'm saying. Same with others. And because laughing is loud, he doesn't like it.