If you’ve noticed your father with dementia repeatedly folding and unfolding paper towels, you’re not alone. This behavior is quite common in people with dementia and Alzheimer’s disease.
Your father’s paper towel folding is likely a form of repetitive behavior. People with dementia often engage in repetitive actions as their condition progresses. These behaviors can seem strange or pointless to others, but they often serve a purpose for the person doing them.
For your father, folding paper towels might be comforting or calming. It gives him something to focus on and occupy his hands. The simple, repetitive motion can be soothing when he’s feeling anxious or overwhelmed. It’s an activity he can still do successfully, which may help him feel a sense of accomplishment or control.
Sometimes, repetitive behaviors like this are triggered by boredom or a need for stimulation. Your father’s brain is changing, and he may have trouble initiating or engaging in more complex activities. Folding paper towels is an easy, accessible task that he can do without much thought or planning.
In some cases, this behavior might be linked to past experiences or habits. Perhaps your father had a job that involved folding, or he used to enjoy doing laundry. His brain might be drawing on these old memories and skills.
It’s generally harmless to let your father continue this behavior if it’s not causing any problems. However, if it’s interfering with daily life or using up excessive amounts of paper towels, you might want to redirect him to a similar activity, like folding washcloths or sorting objects.
Remember, even though this behavior might seem odd to you, it’s serving a purpose for your father. It’s his way of coping with the changes happening in his brain. Approach the situation with patience and understanding, and don’t hesitate to seek advice from his healthcare provider if you have concerns.
