Grandma’s using a fork to brush her hair? That’s definitely not normal, but it’s actually pretty common for people with dementia. Here’s why this might be happening:
As dementia progresses, it messes with the brain in ways that make everyday tasks confusing[1][3]. Your grandma might look at that fork and truly think it’s her hairbrush. Her brain isn’t processing visual information correctly anymore.
Sometimes people with dementia forget how to use common objects[1]. So even if she recognizes the fork, she might not remember what it’s for or how to use it properly. In her mind, using it on her hair might make perfect sense.
Dementia can also cause something called “apraxia” where people lose the ability to perform familiar movements and tasks[1]. So even if she wants to brush her hair, her brain might not be able to coordinate the right actions.
This kind of mix-up with objects is often a sign that the dementia is getting worse[3]. It’s part of losing the ability to do daily tasks independently.
It’s frustrating for everyone, but try to be patient. Grandma isn’t doing this on purpose. Her brain is playing tricks on her. Instead of correcting her, you might gently offer her the real hairbrush or help her brush her hair.
If you’re noticing more of these odd behaviors, it’s a good idea to talk to her doctor. They might be able to adjust her treatment or offer advice on how to help her with daily tasks[3].
Remember, even though it seems strange to us, in Grandma’s mind she’s just trying to take care of herself. The best thing you can do is respond with kindness and understanding.
