Diagnosed 7 years ago and confirmed with brain PET scan. I have tried holding hands but it feels like I am dragging him. He is unaware that he is doing this and will start out next to me then go right away be behind. He is physically fit and walks a treadmill just fine. He has spacial challenges so perhaps related to that. It is getting hard to keep an eye on him. Losing him in stores and he set off a car alarm the other day in a parking lot accidently opening wrong car door. I don't want to put him in a wheelchair.
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.
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.
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.