Why is my father with dementia forgetting how to tie his shoes?

Forgetting how to tie shoes is a common issue for people with dementia, including Alzheimer’s disease. This happens because dementia affects parts of the brain responsible for memory and motor skills.

As dementia progresses, it becomes harder for the brain to remember and carry out familiar tasks, even ones that seem simple like tying shoelaces. This is called apraxia, which means difficulty performing learned movements and tasks[1].

Tying shoes requires several steps and coordination between the hands and eyes. For someone with dementia, this can become confusing and challenging. They may forget the sequence of steps or struggle with the fine motor skills needed to manipulate the laces[1].

This loss of ability often occurs gradually. Your father may have good days where he can tie his shoes and bad days where he struggles. Over time, the difficulty may increase as the disease affects more areas of the brain[1].

It’s important to remember that this isn’t your father’s fault. Dementia causes physical changes in the brain that make once-simple tasks very difficult. Patience and understanding are key. You might need to help him with his shoes or switch to slip-on styles to make things easier[1].

While it’s tough to see your father lose abilities, focus on what he can still do. Encourage independence where possible, but be ready to assist when needed. This approach can help maintain dignity and reduce frustration for both of you.