Why is Mom Collecting Bottle Caps?
If you’ve noticed your mother with dementia gathering bottle caps and treating them like money, you’re not alone. This behavior is actually quite common in people with dementia and Alzheimer’s disease.
As dementia progresses, it can cause confusion about the value and purpose of everyday objects. Your mom might see the shiny, round bottle caps and think they’re coins or other currency. Her brain is trying to make sense of the world around her, but the connections aren’t quite right anymore.
Collecting things is also a way for people with dementia to feel a sense of purpose and control. When so much of their world feels confusing or out of their grasp, having a “collection” of items can be comforting. It gives them something to focus on and organize.
Sometimes, this behavior is linked to memories from the past. Maybe your mom used to save coins or had a coin collection. The bottle caps might be triggering that old habit, even if she doesn’t fully understand why.
It’s usually harmless to let your mom continue this activity if it brings her joy and doesn’t cause any safety issues. You could even provide her with a special container to keep her “money” in, which might help her feel more secure.
However, if the collecting becomes obsessive or causes problems (like taking caps from open bottles), you might need to gently redirect her attention to other activities. Always approach the situation with patience and understanding.
Remember, your mom isn’t being difficult on purpose. Her brain is changing, and she’s doing her best to make sense of her world. Providing a safe, supportive environment is the most important thing you can do for her.
