Why is my mother with dementia afraid of the number 8?
Dementia can cause strange fears and behaviors that may seem puzzling to family members. Your mother’s fear of the number 8 likely stems from how dementia affects the brain rather than any logical reason.
As dementia progresses, it damages areas of the brain responsible for memory, reasoning, and processing information. This can lead to confusion, misinterpretations, and irrational thoughts or fears. The number 8 may have become associated with something frightening in your mother’s mind, even if that connection doesn’t make sense to others.
Some possible explanations for this specific fear could include:
• The shape of 8 reminds her of something scary
• She had a bad experience on the 8th day of a month
• She connects 8 with a sad memory or loss
• The sound of “eight” is similar to another word that upsets her
It’s also common for people with dementia to develop number-related anxieties. They may worry about times, dates, or numerical sequences as their ability to keep track of such things declines.
While the exact reason may remain a mystery, it’s important to respond to your mother’s fear with patience and reassurance. Avoid arguing about whether the fear makes sense. Instead, validate her feelings and try to redirect her attention to more pleasant topics when the number 8 comes up.
You might also consider removing or covering up visible 8s in her environment if they cause significant distress. The goal is to minimize anxiety and help her feel safe and comfortable.
Remember that this fear is a symptom of her condition, not a choice she’s making. With compassion and some creative problem-solving, you can help manage this particular quirk of her dementia journey.
