Your grandmother’s repetitive behavior of folding and unfolding the same piece of paper is actually quite common among people with dementia. This action, while it may seem strange or pointless to us, can serve several important purposes for her.
First, it gives her a sense of purpose and accomplishment. As dementia progresses, many everyday tasks become difficult or impossible. Folding paper is a simple activity she can still do successfully, which can boost her confidence and mood.
The repetitive nature of the task can also be soothing and comforting. People with dementia often feel confused or anxious, and a familiar, repetitive action can help calm these feelings. It’s like how some people find knitting or doodling relaxing – the rhythmic motion has a meditative quality.
Additionally, this behavior might be tied to memories from her past. Perhaps she used to fold laundry or work with paper in some way, and this action feels familiar and meaningful to her, even if she can’t fully explain why.
It’s also possible that the tactile sensation of handling the paper is stimulating for her senses. As cognitive abilities decline, sensory experiences can become more important and engaging.
While it might be tempting to try to stop this behavior or redirect her to something else, it’s usually best to let her continue as long as she’s not distressing herself or others. This activity is likely providing her with comfort and engagement, which are both valuable for people with dementia.
If you want to build on this interest, you could try offering her other simple folding tasks, like folding washcloths or napkins. Or you could introduce other tactile activities that might appeal to her, such as sorting objects or working with clay.
Remember, even if we don’t fully understand why she’s doing it, this paper-folding is meaningful to her. By accepting and supporting her in this activity, you’re helping her feel safe and valued.
