Why is my father with dementia sticking stickers on his forehead?

Dementia can cause people to behave in unusual ways that may seem strange or confusing to others. If your father has dementia and is sticking stickers on his forehead, there could be a few potential reasons for this behavior.

One possibility is that your father is experiencing sensory issues related to his dementia. As the disease progresses, it can affect how the brain processes sensory information. Placing stickers on his forehead may provide a tactile sensation that he finds comforting or stimulating. The pressure or texture of the stickers could be soothing to him in some way.

Another explanation could be that your father is trying to communicate something through this behavior. People with dementia often struggle to express themselves verbally, so they may resort to nonverbal ways of communicating needs or feelings. The stickers could represent an attempt to draw attention to his head if he’s experiencing discomfort or to mark himself in some meaningful way that makes sense to him.

It’s also possible that your father is experiencing visual hallucinations or delusions, which are common in some types of dementia. He may believe the stickers serve some purpose that isn’t apparent to others. For instance, he might think they’re protecting him or helping him remember something important.

Sometimes, repetitive behaviors like placing stickers can be a way for people with dementia to exert control over their environment. As cognitive abilities decline, being able to perform a simple, repetitive task can provide a sense of purpose or accomplishment.

Alternatively, your father may simply be reverting to a childlike state, finding joy or amusement in the simple act of sticking stickers on himself. Dementia can cause people to lose inhibitions and engage in behaviors that might seem silly or inappropriate to others.

While this behavior may seem odd, it’s generally harmless unless the stickers are causing skin irritation or your father is ingesting them. The most important thing is to approach the situation with patience and compassion. Try not to show frustration or attempt to forcibly stop him from using the stickers, as this could cause distress.

Instead, you might try redirecting his attention to other activities he enjoys or providing alternative sensory experiences, like giving him a soft object to hold or gently massaging his hands. If the behavior is persistent and concerning, it’s a good idea to consult with his doctor or a dementia care specialist. They may be able to provide additional insights or strategies for managing this particular behavior.

Remember, your father isn’t doing this to be difficult or strange – it’s simply a manifestation of how dementia is affecting his brain. Approaching the situation with understanding and flexibility can help both you and your father navigate this challenging aspect of the disease.