My husband is unsteady on his feet and refuses to face up to his health problems

DEAR DEIDRE: MY husband is very unsteady on his feet but refuses to use a walking stick.

He also gets confused at times and repeats the same question.

I am 74 and he is 76. He is in denial that anything is wrong but even our daughters have noticed a change in him.

I have tried persuading him to get a mobility scooter, but he insists he doesn’t need one. I’m at my wit’s end.

I’m worried about what would happen to him if he has a fall at home because I won’t be strong enough to help him.

I think he’s scared he might have multiple sclerosis as a couple of his relatives have it.

What can I do if he won’t even discuss it with me?

DEIDRE SAYS: I understand your frustration but stay calm when he is confused and repeats himself.

Note down any changes in his memory and behaviour so you can tell his GP if your husband won’t go.

Or offer to go with him.

Explain to him and your doctor how worried you are and be honest when it makes your life harder.

While MS isn’t directly inherited, it would help to get further advice from the Multiple Sclerosis Society (mssociety.org.uk, 0808 800 8000).