Your aunt with dementia believes she needs to pack for a nonexistent trip because her brain is playing tricks on her. Dementia damages parts of the brain that control memory and thinking. This can cause confusion about time, place, and what’s real.
For your aunt, the idea of packing for a trip feels very real and important. Her mind might be mixing up memories of past trips with the present. Or she could be feeling anxious and restless, and packing gives her a sense of purpose.
It’s common for people with dementia to have false beliefs like this. They might think they need to go to work, even though they retired years ago. Or they may insist their parents are coming to visit, even if their parents have passed away.
These beliefs can be upsetting for family members to see. But for the person with dementia, arguing rarely helps. Instead, it’s often better to go along with their reality for a bit. You could help your aunt pack a small bag, then distract her with another activity. Or you might say, “The trip isn’t until next week. Let’s have some tea first.”
Remember, your aunt isn’t doing this on purpose. Her brain is struggling to make sense of the world. Treating her with patience and kindness is the best approach. If the packing behavior becomes disruptive, talk to her doctor. They might have additional strategies to help manage it.
Dementia is tough on everyone involved. But understanding why these behaviors happen can make them a little easier to handle. Your aunt is lucky to have family who care enough to try to understand what she’s going through.
