Early Signs of Mental Decline

The summer before I became a parent, my father told me my mother was a sick woman. He saw problems before either my sister or I. It was not until he went into CHF the following Thanksgiving that I started seeing subtle signs.

Early warning signs:

• Will not drive with you in car.
• Has trouble navigating in new places.
• Asks you to order in restaurants.
• Misses making utility payment.

These signs were subtle and did not raise flags at the time. The most noticeable red flag showed up when Dad was in intensive care. Mom could not find the way to and from restroom from lntensive care. Due to stress of the time, this clue went unnoticed.