Aunt Mabel’s Egg Friends: Understanding Unusual Behaviors in Dementia
Have you noticed your aunt with dementia doing something peculiar, like drawing faces on eggs and chatting with them? Don’t worry, you’re not alone. This kind of behavior is actually quite common in people living with dementia.
As dementia progresses, it can cause changes in how a person perceives the world around them. Your aunt might be experiencing something called visual hallucinations. This means she might see things that aren’t really there, like faces on everyday objects. Drawing on the eggs could be her way of making sense of what she thinks she’s seeing.
Talking to the eggs might seem odd, but it’s her brain’s way of trying to interact with her environment. People with dementia often struggle with loneliness and may create imaginary companions to keep them company. The eggs with faces might represent friends or family members to her.
This behavior could also be a form of self-expression. As dementia affects language skills, your aunt might find it easier to communicate through art and imagination rather than words. Drawing and talking to the eggs might be comforting and give her a sense of control in a world that’s becoming increasingly confusing.
It’s important to remember that while this behavior might seem strange to us, it’s likely not causing your aunt any distress. In fact, it might be bringing her joy or comfort. As long as she’s not in any danger, it’s often best to go along with these harmless activities.
You can support your aunt by joining in her world sometimes. Ask her about her egg friends, or maybe even draw some faces yourself. This can help her feel understood and less isolated. Just make sure to keep an eye out for any behaviors that might be unsafe or upsetting to her.
Remember, dementia affects everyone differently. Your aunt’s egg friends are just her unique way of coping with the changes in her brain. With patience and understanding, you can help make her world a little brighter, one egg face at a time.
