Why is my mother with dementia lining up empty cups on the floor?

Your mother with dementia may be lining up empty cups on the floor as a way of creating order and familiarity in her environment. This behavior, known as collecting or hoarding, is common in people with dementia[1]. It may seem strange, but it often serves a purpose for the person doing it.

As dementia progresses, people can feel a loss of control over their surroundings. Arranging objects like cups in a specific way may help your mother feel she has some control and is creating structure in her world. The repetitive nature of lining things up can also be soothing and comforting[3].

Sometimes this behavior stems from memories of past routines or jobs. Your mother may be unconsciously recreating a familiar task from her past, like setting a table or organizing items at work. The cups may represent something meaningful to her, even if it’s not clear to others.

It’s also possible that your mother is experiencing changes in her visual perception due to dementia. The cups on the floor may look different to her than they do to you. She might see them as something else entirely or be trying to make sense of what she’s seeing[5].

While this behavior is usually harmless, it’s important to ensure your mother’s safety. Make sure the cups aren’t creating tripping hazards. If she’s using breakable cups, consider swapping them for plastic ones to prevent injury.

Try not to disrupt her cup arrangements unless necessary, as this could cause distress. Instead, you might engage her in other repetitive activities that are safe and purposeful, like folding towels or sorting objects.

Remember, this behavior is a symptom of the disease, not a choice your mother is making. Approaching it with patience and understanding can help both of you navigate this challenging aspect of dementia[1][3].