Why is my father with dementia holding his hands in front of his face, confused by them?
Why is my father with dementia holding his hands in front of his face, confused by them?
If you’ve noticed your father with dementia holding his hands in front of his face and looking confused, you’re not alone. This behavior is actually quite common in people with dementia, especially as the condition progresses.
There are a few reasons why this might be happening. As dementia affects the brain, it can change how a person perceives and interacts with their environment. Your father may be experiencing something called “agnosia,” which is when the brain has trouble recognizing familiar objects – in this case, his own hands[16].
Imagine suddenly not recognizing the things attached to the ends of your arms. It would be pretty confusing and maybe even a bit scary. Your father might be trying to figure out what these strange things are in front of him.
Another possibility is that your father is having issues with his vision or depth perception. Dementia can affect how the brain processes visual information, making it hard to judge distances or understand what he’s seeing[14]. His hands might look strange or distorted to him, causing him to focus on them.
Sometimes, this behavior can also be a way of self-soothing. When the world becomes confusing or overwhelming due to dementia, focusing on something close and familiar (like hands) can be comforting[13].
It’s important to remember that this behavior, while possibly distressing to watch, isn’t harmful. Try not to startle your father or force his hands down. Instead, gently redirect his attention to something else, like a favorite activity or object.
If you’re concerned about this behavior, it’s always a good idea to mention it to your father’s doctor. They can check if there are any underlying issues, like vision problems, that might be contributing to this behavior.
Caring for someone with dementia can be challenging, but remember, you’re not alone. There are support groups and resources available to help you navigate this journey. The most important thing is to approach your father with patience, love, and understanding.
