Symptoms of Denial When a Parent has Alzheimer's disease

Many persons with dementia do not recognize or acknowledge their condition or deterioration.  This is part of the disease.  In fact, some may not even recognize their own reflection in the mirror.  If you'd like to recognize some common reactions when a parent with Alzheimer's exhibits symptoms of denial, some of their reactions are:
1.  Anger over issues of control and loss.
2.  Defensive responses when confronted with facts of memory loss or functional problems.
3.  Refusal to make or keep doctor's appointments.
4.  Gradual withdrawal from social situations.
5.  Less participation in activities that a parent once enjoyed.
6.  Unusual or unreasonable fears of people or situations.
7.  Excuses for changes in behavior, (such as "I'm tired, I'm a homebody, I don't like to walk")
8.  Insistence on continuing activities that are unhealthy or even dangerous,such as driving.  In fact we once had a client that would just go and purchase a new car whenever the daughters took away her car keys!!!!

The family caregiver may wish contact a geriatric care manager if they are in town visiting a loved one and find such symptoms of denial, if you are noticing self-neglect especially with hygiene, if driving is becoming problematic for a parent and you notice increasing car dents, or if mom or dad is just not getting out anymore.
We are your source for peace of mind.

A Good Daughter, Inc. is a Geriatric Care Management company, located on Spanish River Blvd. in Boca Raton near Federal Highway. We offer Comprehensive Assessments and will write a Plan of Care detailing our recommendations for your elderly parents in Southeast Florida.  Our website can be viewed at www.AGoodDaughter.com which will provide you with information about our other services and more or call us at 561.392.3574.