Why is my grandmother with dementia convinced she needs to glue things together that don’t belong?

Grandma’s Glue Adventure: Understanding Dementia Behaviors

If you’ve noticed your grandmother with dementia suddenly becoming obsessed with gluing things together that don’t belong, you’re not alone. This behavior, while puzzling, is actually quite common in people living with dementia.

Dementia affects the brain in ways that can change a person’s behavior and perception of the world around them. As the disease progresses, it can cause confusion, anxiety, and a need for sensory stimulation or purposeful activity[1][4].

Your grandmother’s urge to glue things might stem from a few different reasons:

1. Seeking purpose: People with dementia often feel a strong desire to be useful or productive. Gluing things might give your grandmother a sense of accomplishment or purpose[8].

2. Sensory stimulation: The act of handling objects and using glue provides tactile stimulation, which can be comforting and engaging for someone with dementia[8][11].

3. Confusion about object use: Dementia can affect a person’s ability to recognize the proper use of objects. Your grandmother might genuinely believe certain items need to be glued together[1].

4. Anxiety or agitation: Sometimes, repetitive behaviors like gluing can be a way of coping with anxiety or agitation that comes with the confusion of dementia[10].

5. Memory of past activities: If your grandmother enjoyed crafts or fixing things in the past, this behavior might be a way of connecting with those memories[8].

It’s important to approach this situation with patience and understanding. Instead of trying to stop the behavior entirely, which might cause frustration, consider providing safe alternatives:

– Create a “fiddle box” filled with various textures and objects she can manipulate safely[11].
– Offer simple craft projects that involve gluing, like making collages with old magazines.
– Provide stress-relieving toys or sensory items designed for people with dementia[8].

Remember, the goal is to keep your grandmother engaged and content while ensuring her safety. If the behavior becomes dangerous or extremely disruptive, consult with her doctor or a dementia care specialist for additional guidance.

Caring for someone with dementia can be challenging, but understanding the reasons behind unusual behaviors can help you provide better support and maintain a loving connection with your grandmother.