WARNING SIGNS

By Dr. Marion Somers, Ph. D., Ask Dr. Marion

QUESTION: I'm a total novice when it comes to caregiving, so I'm wondering if you have a list of signs that I can look for that can help me detect the onset of problems my father might encounter. Christopher in Oregon, 48

ANSWER: Carefully consider this list of warning signs that could indicate a major change or prevent an oncoming crisis. Any one of these signs, or a combination thereof, may be cause for alarm. They could be caused by a reaction to a new medication, or just be the temporary symptom of nothing worse than a bad day. Every person is different. But it might indicate something serious, and it's definitely better to let your father's primary care doctor know what's happening.

• Bumping into walls, railings, or furniture
• Cuts and bruises appear
• Depression
• Difficulty walking
• Falls
• Greater desire for sleep
• Hiding empty bottles of alcohol
• Incontinence
• Increased irritability
• Lack of appetite
• Lack of ambition (even if the goals are small)
• Lack of interest in the holidays
• Lack of response to doorbell
• Leaving mail unopened
• Loss of focus
• Loss of interest in money
• Loss of self-confidence
• Loss of taste
• Mesmerized by a TV that is tuned to the same channel every day
• Mismatched shoes, socks, or clothing
• Mood swings and inconsistent behavior
• Not answering the phone or not calling family and friends
• Not caring for pets
• Not caring for plants
• Not changing out of pajamas
• Not hearing or comprehending verbal communication or instructions
• Not sending birthday or holiday cards
• Reduced spatial awareness
• Repeating what was just said, or asking you to repeat yourself
• Shunning social outings
• Sitting alone in unlit room
• Skipping religious events
• Slurred speech
• Talking frequently about death or suicide
• Unkempt appearance
• Volume (TV or radio) is inappropriate, either too loud or too low
• Weight loss or gain

If required, the doctor can refer your father to a specialist for any additional diagnostic testing.