Just a few words from one who's been through this. We didn't realize until after my father died (from something else) exactly how much he was able to hide from us about his memory. For example, he started calling the females in his life "sweetie". I thought it was soooo cute, but after he was gone I realized that he knew that he "knew" us, but didn't know exactly who each of us was. It's not done to be mean, they're just embarrassed and trying to cover it up. It has to be so scary when it's happening to you. Please make sure your friend is keeping his eyes open and it also may be a good idea to take Dad in to the doctor to get another opinion. Your friend may also want to do some research on Alzeimer's (sp?) and dimentia. It sounds like he's trying to do his best for his Dad and that certainly can't hurt. It can be very difficult...your friend will also need friends like you. Good luck to all....

You may want to also suggest to Tex that he get his father's consent to release medical information to Tex. With the HIPPA laws, even sympathetic physicians are unable to discuss medical information with family members. And Dad may not remember, or be willing, to share the information on his own. The same goes for insurance companies, if Dad has private insurance.

An aside question, from one in a similar situation: Would it be possible for Tex to move to Florida? Some concerns that I have seen are things like forgetting that something is turned on (the stove, the bathtub, etc.), phishing phone calls, and other problems associated with aging.

Bankers deal with seniors all the time and we are often powerless to step in, even when we see potential problems unfolding before our eyes. I can remember clearly an elderly lady who would come into the bank every day and cry because she didn't understand the mail that had been sent to her house. We would go over everything with her every day, but were powerless to stop her when she "lent" a substantial amount of money to her "caretakers." who, of course, ripped her off.

It is a hard situation, and I sympathize with Tex. The sugestions already posted are a good start. Thank you for being a concerned friend.

This is a good time for "Tex" to make sure things are in order while Dad is still reasonably competent. Make sure the DL is either kept up to date or converted to a State ID at renewal time. (Dad can't fly without a current ID.)

Unregistered made a very good point, about the older person trying to "cover up". You see it happening all the time, especially when it is a couple. One will compensate for the other. They have a system of checks and balances for each other, but when one gets sick, the house of cards comes falling down.

As the long-distance children, we don't want to believe it is happening. "Tex" should go for an extended visit to Florida, more than just a long weekend.

Good recommendations have been made by all the above.

Been there myself, more than once.