Grandma’s Leafy Purse: Understanding Unusual Behaviors in Dementia
If you’ve noticed your grandmother with dementia filling her purse with leaves from outside, you’re not alone. This behavior, while strange to us, is actually quite common in people with dementia. Let’s explore why this might be happening and what it means.
First off, dementia affects the brain in ways that can change a person’s behavior. Your grandma might be collecting leaves because her brain is telling her these are important items she needs to keep safe. It’s like when we put our keys or wallet in our purse – she’s doing the same, but with leaves.
Sometimes, people with dementia return to behaviors from their past. Maybe your grandma used to love gardening or collecting pretty leaves as a hobby. Her leaf-collecting could be a way of connecting with those happy memories, even if she can’t explain why she’s doing it.
Another reason could be that your grandma is trying to feel useful or busy. Picking up leaves and putting them in her purse gives her a task to focus on, which can be comforting when other daily activities become confusing or difficult.
It’s also possible that your grandma is experiencing something called “pica,” which is when people eat or collect non-food items. This can happen in dementia, though it’s not super common[13].
The important thing to remember is that this behavior, while odd to us, isn’t harmful as long as she’s not eating the leaves or getting into dangerous situations to collect them. It’s best to respond calmly and avoid arguing about it. You could try redirecting her attention to a similar safe activity, like sorting colorful objects or helping to fold laundry.
If you’re worried about this behavior, it’s always a good idea to mention it to her doctor. They can check if there’s any underlying issue that needs addressing.
Remember, your grandma isn’t doing this to be difficult. Her brain is working differently now, and behaviors like leaf-collecting are just one way that shows up. Patience, understanding, and a bit of creativity in how you respond can go a long way in keeping her safe and content.
