Why is my uncle with dementia putting rubber bands around bananas?

Your uncle with dementia might be putting rubber bands around bananas for a few different reasons. Sometimes, people with dementia do things that seem strange to us, but make sense to them.

One possibility is that your uncle is trying to keep the bananas fresh. He might remember that wrapping things can help preserve food, and he’s using rubber bands as a way to “seal” the bananas. Even though this isn’t how we typically keep bananas fresh, in his mind, it might seem like a good solution.

Another reason could be that your uncle is organizing or sorting things. People with dementia often find comfort in repetitive tasks or arranging objects. Putting rubber bands on bananas might be a way for him to feel like he’s doing something useful or putting things in order.

It’s also possible that your uncle is reliving a memory or habit from his past. Maybe he used to work in a grocery store or had a job where he wrapped things with rubber bands. His brain might be connecting to that old memory, causing him to repeat the action with the bananas.

Sometimes, people with dementia do things simply because they can. The act of putting rubber bands on bananas might be satisfying or interesting to him, even if it doesn’t serve a clear purpose to others.

It’s important to remember that this behavior isn’t harmful. As long as your uncle isn’t eating the rubber bands or using so many that it’s becoming a problem, it’s usually best to let him continue if it makes him happy. This activity might be giving him a sense of purpose or enjoyment.

If you’re concerned, you can gently ask him about it. He might have a reason that makes sense to him. But don’t be surprised if he can’t explain why he’s doing it. The most important thing is to respond with kindness and understanding. Your uncle isn’t trying to be difficult or strange – his brain is just working differently now.