Dementia Support Group

If your mother has been diagnosed, go public with it. Some people won't be able to take it. Others will go out of their way to help you and your loved one out.

If she's been going to the same hairdresser for any length of time, she knows something's not right with your Mom. Clueing her in is only fair, in the light of the recent event. As ImAStar said, some people won't be able to deal with this and others will. In this case telling the hairdresser, is only fair. As for telling others, don't make a huge production out of telling people, just let them know, when you have the chance--but definitely let them know. People are wonderfully supportive and understanding when you let them be.
It is unfortunate that this happened, but you'll find the load lighter when you're not lugging around all the luggage to keep it secret. Besides that, you'll find some people respond wonderfully and openly, while others may have problems with what's happened. Whichever reaction you get, you'll know what the next step will be.
rocasi

One of the worst parts of this disease is the secrecy. Frankly both you and your Dad will feel a huge burden gone once you begin to go public. I did. Like rocasi said, don't make a production out of telling people. But when something like the hairdresser thing happens, let that person know what is going on. And that it is not their fault.

Thank you both for your advice - and sorry for the late reply.