Mukilteo Beacon - Your Hometown News Source

“Keeping Up Appearances” is more than the title of a televised British sit/com. It really means maintaining the minimum physical appearance that our friends and family expect.

In fact, part of the criteria for recognizing early dementia is when the individual doesn’t bother with even a basic daily routine, like brushing teeth, clipping nails or regular shampoos. It would be easy to say, “Why bother, no one cares anyway, I’m retired and only do what I want.”

But simple hygiene is important, for one’s health, personal self-confidence, and in respect for others.

We don’t hav...