My DH, 64, has early onset alz. New behavior, he walks behind me, not beside. Hard to keep an eye on him. Suggestions? Is this common?

Teepa Snow talks about vision changes on some of her videos.

Peripheral vision can leave with some kinds of dementias. Your husband may need to be behind you to keep track of you.

Maybe check out some of Teepa’s videos on YouTube. They might apply in your husband’s case.

Best wishes.

My mom has been doing this for the last year or so. Vision changes and reduced executive function, I guess. And may take some pressure off of her to have to do the navigation in a place she doesn’t recognize. I worry because it makes it harder to make watch that she doesn’t stumble, but she prefers it.

Shadowing is common with Alzheimer's. It can indicate the person feels insecure or uncertain of his surroundings. You represent a feeling of security for him. Thoughts of “Where am I”, “What am I doing here?” can cause anxiety for your husband. You represent protection and security. You can reassure him by saying “you are safe”, “everything's OK”, “I love you”, etc.

His shadowing you can be suffocating to you or make you feel claustrophobic. It's a difficult behavior to cure. You can try giving him some activities like folding towels or clothes ( you'll have to refold the clothes). Maybe divert his attention by offering a snack. He may be able to sit still when listening to music. As with most phases of AD, this behavior will eventually be replaced with some other behavior.

My guess is this is his way of making sure he does not loose track of you.
There are glasses that bike riders wear that have little mirrors that allow them to see behind them as they are riding. You might want to see if they would make it easier for you to keep an eye on your dad.
For parking lots you could ask his doctor if he would qualify for the use of a Handicap placard for the car so that it would be an easier and shorter walk to the car so he does not ty to get into other cars.