A noticeable change in personal hygiene can sometimes accompany cognitive decline.
A person who previously showered regularly may begin avoiding bathing, forget to shower, or insist that they have already washed when they have not.
There can be many explanations for this change, including depression, physical pain, fear of falling, mobility problems, skin sensitivity, or simply difficulty remembering.
However, when declining personal hygiene occurs together with memory problems, confusion, and difficulty managing other everyday activities, it is worth discussing with a healthcare professional.
Becoming Confused About Water Temperature
Adjusting shower temperature requires recognizing whether water is too hot or too cold and knowing how to change the controls.
Cognitive decline can sometimes make familiar household tasks more difficult.
But changes in temperature perception can also result from normal aging, nerve problems, medications, or other medical conditions. Therefore, this symptom should never be considered proof of Alzheimer’s disease.
There is also an important safety issue: excessively hot water can cause burns, particularly in older adults.
Forgetting Whether They Have Showered
Repeatedly asking whether they have showered or insisting they already showered when they have not can be more concerning when it happens frequently.
Short-term memory problems are among the symptoms commonly associated with Alzheimer’s disease. A person may remember events from many years ago while having difficulty remembering something that happened earlier that same day.
Family members may notice these changes before the person recognizes them.
Other Early Changes to Watch For
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