Grandma’s Wall-Licking: What’s Going On?
If you’ve noticed your grandmother with dementia licking the walls, you’re probably feeling confused and concerned. This unusual behavior can be alarming, but it’s actually not uncommon in people with dementia. Let’s break down what might be causing this and what you can do to help.
First off, dementia affects the brain in ways that can lead to strange behaviors. Your grandma isn’t doing this on purpose or to upset anyone. Her brain is changing, and that can make her do things that don’t make sense to us.
One reason for wall-licking could be something called “pica.” This is when someone eats things that aren’t food. In dementia patients, pica can show up as licking or even trying to eat non-food items[5].
Another possibility is that your grandma is experiencing hallucinations. Dementia can make people see, hear, or feel things that aren’t really there. She might think the wall tastes good or has a special texture[3].
Sometimes, people with dementia do repetitive behaviors to calm themselves down. Licking the wall might be soothing to her in some way we don’t understand[3].
It’s also possible that your grandma is trying to tell you something but can’t find the right words. She might be thirsty, hungry, or uncomfortable and this is how it’s coming out[3].
What can you do to help? First, talk to her doctor. They need to know about this new behavior and can check if there’s a medical reason behind it. The doctor might also be able to suggest ways to manage it[3].
Try to figure out if anything specific triggers the wall-licking. Does it happen at certain times of day? After meals? When she’s alone? Understanding the pattern can help you prevent or redirect the behavior[3].
Make sure your grandma is getting enough to eat and drink. Sometimes, unusual eating behaviors can be a sign of hunger or thirst[5].
Keep an eye on her to make sure she’s safe. You don’t want her licking anything that could make her sick. If you need to, you can try gently distracting her with an activity she enjoys when you see her start to lick the walls[3].
Remember, this behavior isn’t your grandma’s fault. She needs your patience and understanding. It’s okay to feel frustrated or upset, but try to stay calm around her. Your grandmother is still in there, even if dementia is changing how she acts.
