Grandma’s Hand-Licking: What’s Going On?
If you’ve noticed your grandmother with dementia licking her hands, you’re not alone. This behavior can be puzzling and concerning for family members. Let’s explore why this might be happening.
First, it’s important to understand that dementia affects the brain in ways that can change a person’s behavior. Sometimes, people with dementia do things that seem strange to us, but make sense to them.
Hand-licking could be a sign of something called “pica.” Pica is when someone craves and eats things that aren’t food. In dementia, pica can show up as licking or eating unusual things[9].
Another possibility is that your grandmother is experiencing something called “stereotypy.” This is when someone repeats a movement over and over. Licking hands could be a type of stereotypy that’s common in some forms of dementia[3].
Sometimes, hand-licking might be a way for your grandmother to self-soothe. Dementia can be confusing and scary, and this behavior might help her feel more comfortable[9].
It’s also possible that your grandmother is trying to clean her hands. She might feel like her hands are dirty, even if they’re not. This could be related to changes in how her brain processes sensations[9].
In some cases, medication side effects could cause unusual behaviors like hand-licking. Some medicines used to treat dementia can cause dry mouth, which might lead to licking[8].
Lastly, your grandmother might simply be exploring her environment in a new way. As dementia progresses, people sometimes use their mouths to understand the world around them, kind of like babies do[9].
Remember, this behavior isn’t harmful in itself, but it’s a good idea to talk to your grandmother’s doctor about it. They can help figure out if there’s an underlying issue that needs to be addressed.
In the meantime, try to stay patient and understanding. Your grandmother isn’t doing this on purpose to upset anyone. It’s just part of how dementia is affecting her brain. With love and support, you can help her feel safe and comfortable, even when her behaviors seem strange.
