My Dad has dementia...early stages but definitely noticeable. Mum is finding life increasingly hard with him as his personality has changed in some ways. He says things he would never have done at one time. He behaves oddly at times but is still allowed to drive although is due reassessment again soon.
Anyway we went to a family get together yesterday and one of his granddaughters (my niece) had her boyfriend there. Her boyfriend has a name which is traditional in Jewish families although he isnt Jewish. However my Dad got that thought in his head and couldnt shift it althoigh my Mum explained again and again that no he wasn't Jewish. Even if he was it's no issue.
When he arrived Dad was introduced to my niece's boyfriend and stared really hard at him before saying "I am just looking to see if you have a big nose". To say the room went silent is an understatement and the poor lad didn't know what to say. My Mum tried to cover it all up with "what are you on about?".
Mortified that he said something so offensive as that just isnt the Dad I know. He would never have done anything like this in the past.
My Niece was just devastated but has managed to explain to her lovely boyfriend that her grandad has Alzheimer's and says odd thibgs sometimes. Her boyfriend was fine about it but we are all shell shocked today as it shows how much my Dad's personality is changing.
Don't know why i am posting as nothing can be done about the event yesterday. I just needed to write it down and in a place where other's might have experienced similar situations.
Am expecting Dad and Mum round shortly. Mum wabted to take Dad to task about it all but it seems when she does gently suggest that he rethink stuff it causes an argument.
Had a chat with her about brain changes affecting personality etc
Not sure i can do much else except be there to listen.