Memory gets worse later in the day

Dad seems to be settled in a stable pattern of memory during the day time.  Not that he remembers much, but he knows where he is and why.  As the day progresses, however, it deteriorates.   I’m learning not to tell him of future plans, for instance, we’re going to the grocery store after lunch… because he will dwell on that and worry on it - he doesn’t want to be late, or miss the trip I guess.

We hadn’t had an “I lost my keys” episode for quite a while until last night.   He got up 2 hours after going for bed and was rummaging in his dresser drawers.   When I told him where his keys were, brought them to him and showed them to him, he said “Not those keys” - I hung them back up and he came into the kitchen to examine them again.  He dropped them - hung them back up, and wanted a drink.   He got his drink and went to bed, keys forgotten. He didn’t even get up until 5 am!

Today I’ m taking him to Mom’s for 5 days while I go to see my husband.  I haven’t told him yet, or packed his bag.  We’ll do it just before it’s time to go.   I’m learning!!

Filed under Memory, Daily Life |