Your mother’s repetitive behavior of folding and refolding the same shirt for hours is a common occurrence in people with dementia. This type of behavior is often referred to as perseveration or repetitive actions[1][3].
In dementia, the brain undergoes changes that affect memory, thinking, and behavior. These changes can lead to a person getting “stuck” on a particular task or action, repeating it over and over again[1].
There are several reasons why your mother might be engaging in this behavior:
1. Comfort and familiarity: The act of folding clothes might be a familiar and comforting task for your mother. It’s something she likely did many times throughout her life, so it feels safe and routine[1].
2. Sense of purpose: Folding clothes can give your mother a sense of purpose and accomplishment. Even if she doesn’t remember doing it before, the act itself can make her feel useful and productive[3].
3. Stress relief: Repetitive actions can sometimes help reduce anxiety or agitation in people with dementia. The rhythmic motion of folding might be calming for your mother[1].
4. Brain changes: Dementia affects the parts of the brain responsible for initiating and stopping actions. This can make it difficult for your mother to move on to a new task once she’s started folding[3].
5. Memory issues: Your mother might not remember that she’s already folded the shirt, so she continues to do it over and over again[1].
It’s important to remember that this behavior is not harmful, and it’s actually quite common in people with dementia. However, if it’s interfering with other activities or causing distress, you might want to gently redirect your mother to another task or activity she enjoys[1].
Some strategies that might help include:
– Offering alternative activities that provide similar sensory experiences or a sense of purpose, like sorting objects or helping with simple household tasks.
– Engaging your mother in conversation or reminiscing about past experiences to distract her from the repetitive action.
– Providing reassurance and comfort if she seems anxious or agitated.
– Consulting with her healthcare provider if the behavior becomes problematic or if you’re concerned about her well-being.
Remember, patience and understanding are key when caring for someone with dementia. Your mother’s repetitive actions are not intentional, but rather a symptom of the changes happening in her brain. Providing a supportive and loving environment can help make her feel safe and comfortable[1][3].
