She no longer remembers it's her birthday. He got her a present anyway

Family She no longer remembers it's her birthday. He got her a present anyway April 19, 20266:00 AM ET Marc Silver Maria Fabrizio for NPR My wife's birthday was a few weeks away. Should I buy her a present? The reason I asked that question is that my wife has dementia. She is now in a stage where she cannot summon up words, where she doesn't always seem to respond to my visits. And even if I were to tell her that her birthday was coming up, there was no way to know if she could understand what I was saying. In the first years after her diagnosis she was aware of events like her birthday. And as a loving hubby I'd get her a gift — earrings and scarves are two of her favorite things. I long ago gave up on clothing because it was hard to figure out if a garment would be a good fit unless she were to try it on. Sponsor Message Living Better For one husband, caregiving came easier when he learned to 'shut up and listen' I used to get her CDs as well from some of her favorite artists. I think she really does love Bob Dylan more than she loves me! And books I knew she'd like — the Mel Brooks memoir from a few years back, for instance. And books of history, which is her passion. Now things are different. Global Health Her dad's dementia inspired her to create a guide for family caregivers And even if I were to turn to my two favorite gift categories … she no longer wears earrings and she sure does have a lot of scarves already. I could buy her a book and read it aloud but there's no way to know if she would comprehend. And CDs are in the dustbin of history. Plus she has an Alexa device for her room so someone can order up songs from one of her favorites: "Alexa, play the Beatles." Now let me be blunt. Since dementia robs people of their memories, a partner really does not have to remember milestone dates: wedding anniversary, Mother's Day, birthdays. I can't ask Marsha to confirm this. But I do believe that if I were to skip any of these occasions she would be unaware. So i...