Your uncle with dementia is trying to use an orange as a telephone because his brain is experiencing changes that affect his memory, thinking, and behavior. Dementia causes damage to brain cells, making it hard for people to recognize objects and remember how to use them correctly[1][3].
When someone has dementia, they might get confused about what things are and what they’re used for. So your uncle might see the orange and think it’s actually a phone, because it’s round and fits in his hand like a phone would[5].
This kind of mix-up is pretty common for people with dementia. They might put things in strange places or use objects in ways that don’t make sense to us[3]. For example, they could try to eat with a toothbrush or wear clothes backwards.
As dementia gets worse, people have more trouble with everyday tasks and understanding the world around them[1]. They might forget how to use common items or what those items are for. Your uncle’s brain is having difficulty connecting the idea of a phone with what a real phone looks like and how it works.
It’s important to remember that your uncle isn’t doing this on purpose. His brain is changing, and he’s trying to make sense of things the best he can. Even though it might seem funny or strange to us, for him it feels normal and makes sense in that moment.
When this happens, it’s best to respond calmly and gently. Don’t argue with him or try to force him to understand it’s an orange. Instead, you could offer him a real phone or distract him with another activity he enjoys[5].
Dealing with dementia can be tough, but understanding why these behaviors happen can help us be more patient and compassionate. Your uncle needs support and kindness as he copes with these changes in his brain.
