Aunt Mabel’s Curtain Capers: Dementia and Sensory Seeking
Ever caught your aunt with dementia getting cozy with the curtains? You’re not alone! This quirky behavior, while it might seem odd, is actually pretty common in people living with dementia. Let’s dive into why your aunt might be turning your living room into her personal face-rubbing station.
Dementia messes with the brain in all sorts of ways. One of the things it does is mess up how people process sensory information. Your aunt’s brain might be craving some extra stimulation, and those curtains are looking mighty tempting!
Think of it like this: Remember when you were a kid and you’d run your hands over different textures just because it felt cool? Your aunt’s brain is kind of doing the same thing. The curtains provide a unique sensory experience – they might be soft, smooth, or have an interesting pattern that feels good against the skin.
But it’s not just about feeling good. Sometimes, people with dementia do repetitive behaviors because it’s comforting. The world can be confusing and scary when your memory’s not working right. Rubbing against something familiar, like those curtains she’s known for years, might make her feel safe and secure.
There’s also a chance your aunt is trying to communicate something. Maybe she’s feeling anxious or uncomfortable, and this is her way of self-soothing. Or she could be bored and looking for something to do.
So what can you do about it? First off, don’t freak out. As long as she’s not hurting herself, it’s probably harmless. You might want to provide her with other sensory experiences – like soft blankets, stress balls, or even those fidget toys that are all the rage these days.
If the curtain-rubbing is constant or seems to be upsetting her, it’s worth chatting with her doctor. They might have some ideas on how to manage the behavior or check if there’s an underlying issue that needs addressing.
Remember, your aunt isn’t trying to be difficult. Her brain’s just working differently now, and sometimes that means doing things that seem a little strange to the rest of us. Patience, understanding, and maybe investing in some machine-washable curtains, are key!
