Grandpa’s Glasses Puzzle: A Dementia Behavior Explained
If you’ve noticed your grandfather with dementia taking apart his glasses and putting them back together, you’re not alone. This behavior is actually quite common in people with dementia, and there are a few reasons why it might be happening.
First, dementia can cause changes in the brain that affect a person’s ability to process sensory information. Your grandfather might be struggling to see clearly or feeling uncomfortable with how his glasses fit, so he’s trying to “fix” them.
Another possibility is that this activity gives your grandfather a sense of purpose and accomplishment. People with dementia often feel frustrated by their declining abilities, so working on a small task like this can be satisfying and boost their self-esteem.
The repetitive nature of taking apart and reassembling the glasses can also be soothing for someone with dementia. It provides a predictable, structured activity that might help calm anxiety or restlessness.
Sometimes, this behavior is simply a way for your grandfather to keep his hands busy. People with dementia may fidget or engage in repetitive motions as a way to self-soothe or stay occupied.
It’s important to remember that while this behavior might seem odd to you, it’s likely not harmful as long as your grandfather isn’t damaging the glasses or hurting himself. If you’re concerned, you can try offering him other safe objects to manipulate, like puzzle toys or sorting activities.
Ultimately, this glasses-tinkering is your grandfather’s way of interacting with his environment and coping with the changes in his brain. As long as he’s safe and content, it’s often best to let him continue this activity that brings him comfort and engagement.
