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He has a life long history of pathological lying. Diagnosed in his 60s with Covert Narcissism and Covert Psychopathy as no conscience/guilt/remorse. He acknowledges he gets a rush by duping people. He is now 80. Currently diagnosed with MCI. He also has Parkinsons. Promises to not repeat behavior on phone, text or email, but states he can justify it in his own mind.
Some of the lying is well thought out and hidden, other parts I can see it is possibly the MCI.
Is it appropriate to remove communication devices unless I am there? He has promised to show me the communications prior, but he is not.
He comes from a family that has refused to believe he has this diagnosis and refuses to believe he could be anything but perfect.
He has been estranged for 9 years from one son and grand children due to lying to them as well. He also has disclosed for 20 years he was attacted to his son's ex wife.
I reached out to family for years for help with his behavior. They have refused to believe me and state they don't accept he engages in this behavior as it would destroy their image of him ( well respected in his profession) and would make them look like fools to admit they were duped as well.
Thus I end up being the scapegoat who must be exaggerating. He has alienated me from his family members as my presence would not allow him to keep up the lies.
We have had years of marital therapy, he has had individual therapy and he has a psychiatrist, but unfortunately he lied to them as well, hence the diagnoses he received.
My dilemma is how to stop his continuiing maligning of my character, while I continue to look after him. Things are getting gradually worse with his memory and I can see Dementia or FTD being diagnosed soon.
Any suggestions on the electronic devices question?
Sorry this is so long and it may not be the correct place to ask this question.
Thank you if anyone has a suggestion.

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If your husband isn't ill enough to go into care, then he can take care of himself. If he can't take care of himself, he is ill enough to go into care. You don't have to be the caregiver.
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Reply to Rosered6
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You'll never change a person diagnosed with these personality disorders and now Parkinson's with dementia. Why are you caring for him at all???
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Reply to lealonnie1
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I think removing the communication devices is well justified. Do you have your finances secured and protected from any reckless behavior by him? This is especially important if you think he has or is developing FTD.

I'm sorry you've been subjected to this for so long.
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Reply to MG8522
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When you couple an aging brain with personality disorders, It really turns into quite a catastrophe. Perhaps someone else should be caring for him. It sounds like his whole family has problems.
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Reply to Hrmgrandcna
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You can't control other people. You can only make boundaries that are yours to defend since he will never respect them.

You can stop him from using/having a phone. or using the internet if at all possible. Even using "therapeutic fib" to achieve this end.

You can tell him you'll leave him unless he 1) assigns you as his Poa and then 2) gets a cognitive exam. The goal would be to have the authority to relocate him to AL or MC. But don't make threats you aren't willing or able to carry out.

Only you can decide what a solution looks like for you.
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Reply to Geaton777
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Just a wild guess. My husband has Parkinson’s as well, no dementia, but as it advances he is prone to infections which put him in hospital almost every month last year and this year the worst ever. Several times due to infection which are common for PD he developed delirium. One time he called everyone and told them I kept him in hospital, funny( not) I was having affair with handyman. One person only believed him. Called me every nasty name. On top of it he sent police to our place at 4 am stating someone was killing me or him. He was in hospital.
He is otherwise very rational, stoic person.
Just saying PD is horrible.
Every dr advised it was time for facility, lucky for me hubby found good one.
My advice, build your own support system, so important for any of progressive diseases which only get worse.
It is understatement to say how much I value people who support me.
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Reply to Evamar
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Yes take it all away unless he gets violent about it. Call 911 anytime you feel afraid.

See a lawyer and get your money and let him be. However he goes down is however it’s going to happen.

I don’t know if anyone has told you that you don’t have to stick with this and you don’t have to give care to him.
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Reply to southernwave
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I would place him in Memorycare if I had the money, no phone. If you can't afford that, Medicaid in a Longterm care facility.

You need to consult with an Elder Lawyer about splitting of your assets. His split goes to his care and when almost gone, you apply for Medicaid. At that point, you remain in the home, get a car and enough or all of your monthly income to live on.
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Reply to JoAnn29
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Thank you again everyone for the support. I suspect I know why I’m not leaving. Left home at 15 and nobody to help me when I was vulnerable. I suspect I won’t leave now that he is vulnerable. Yes, twisted but probably accurate.

Just hearing everyone’s comments is helpful. I feel supported , calmer and am greatful to all of you.

You all take care of yourselves as well.

Sorry I’m not sure if this goes to everyone or I am just replying to one person.

All my best.
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Reply to Alsara
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SamTheManager Jan 20, 2026
You have a history that makes you a prime target for people with the disorders you say your husband has been diagnosed with. He is using Fear Obligation and Guilt to keep you in place taking care of him. Please take care of yourself first. They take over your whole life.
(4)
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Please excuse my bluntness, but he's damn lucky you stayed with him. Please, place him and live with a peaceful heart. You certainly earned it.
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Reply to JeanLouise
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