Grandma’s Colorful Mattress Mystery: Dementia and Unusual Behaviors
If you’ve noticed your grandmother with dementia stuffing her mattress with crayons, you’re not alone in experiencing such puzzling behavior. This unusual action is actually quite common in people with dementia and has a name: pica[8].
Pica is a condition where someone eats or collects non-food items. In dementia patients, this can extend to hoarding or hiding objects in strange places, like crayons in a mattress[8].
So why is this happening? As dementia progresses, it affects different parts of the brain, leading to changes in behavior, judgment, and perception[1][4]. Your grandmother might be experiencing confusion about the purpose of objects or may find comfort in collecting and hiding things[3].
This behavior could also be a way for her to feel in control of her environment. As dementia can be disorienting and frightening, having a “secret stash” might provide a sense of security[3].
It’s important to remember that while this behavior seems odd to us, it makes sense to your grandmother in her current state of mind. Dementia can cause people to see or experience things differently than we do[1].
What can you do about it? First, ensure her safety by removing any items that could be harmful if ingested or cause injury. Then, try to understand the underlying need this behavior might be fulfilling. Is she bored? Anxious? Looking for a sense of purpose?[3]
You might provide safe alternatives that satisfy the same urge, like giving her a box of soft items to sort or organize. Always approach the situation with patience and compassion, remembering that your grandmother isn’t doing this on purpose to cause trouble[1][4].
Lastly, don’t hesitate to speak with her doctor about these behaviors. They can provide guidance on managing symptoms and might suggest adjustments to her care plan[4].
Remember, your grandmother’s crayon-stuffing isn’t just strange behavior – it’s her brain’s way of coping with the changes brought on by dementia. With understanding and proper care, you can help make her journey more comfortable and less confusing.
