Why is my aunt with dementia convinced she has to count all the tiles in the kitchen?

Dementia can cause unusual behaviors, like your aunt’s compulsion to count kitchen tiles. This happens because dementia affects the brain in ways that change how a person thinks and acts.

As dementia progresses, it damages areas of the brain responsible for memory, reasoning, and decision-making. This can lead to repetitive behaviors or fixations on certain tasks, even if they seem pointless to others. Your aunt’s tile-counting might be her brain’s way of trying to create order and control in a world that feels increasingly confusing and unpredictable to her.

Sometimes, people with dementia develop obsessive-compulsive tendencies as the disease affects parts of the brain that regulate behavior. The urge to count tiles could be a manifestation of this, giving your aunt a sense of purpose or accomplishment.

It’s also possible that your aunt is reliving a memory or habit from her past. Maybe she used to clean or inspect tiles as part of a job or household chore. Dementia can blur the lines between past and present, making old routines resurface unexpectedly.

While the tile-counting might seem strange or frustrating to you, it’s important to remember that it likely serves a purpose for your aunt, even if she can’t explain why. As long as the behavior isn’t harmful, it’s often best to gently redirect her attention rather than trying to stop her completely.

Engaging your aunt in other activities, like sorting objects or folding laundry, might help satisfy her need for repetitive tasks in a more productive way. You could also try involving her in simple puzzles or games that provide mental stimulation without causing frustration.

Remember, your aunt isn’t choosing to behave this way. Her actions are a result of the changes happening in her brain. Approaching the situation with patience and understanding can help both you and your aunt navigate this challenging aspect of dementia.