Stacking eggs is a curious behavior that sometimes occurs in people with dementia, including Alzheimer’s disease. This action might seem strange or concerning, but it’s actually quite common and can be explained by changes happening in the brain.
As dementia progresses, it affects different parts of the brain responsible for memory, reasoning, and everyday skills. Your mother’s egg-stacking behavior likely stems from these changes. She may be trying to organize or make sense of her environment in a way that feels familiar or comforting to her.
People with dementia often engage in repetitive behaviors as a way to feel in control when their world seems confusing or unpredictable. Stacking eggs might be your mother’s way of creating order or accomplishing a task she feels is important, even if it doesn’t make sense to others.
This behavior could also be linked to past experiences or memories. Perhaps your mother used to work in a grocery store, enjoyed cooking, or had a special connection to eggs in some way. The act of handling and arranging eggs might trigger pleasant memories or feelings for her.
It’s important to remember that while this behavior may seem odd, it’s generally harmless as long as your mother isn’t at risk of hurting herself. Instead of trying to stop her, you might consider providing her with plastic eggs or other safe objects she can stack and arrange without risk of breakage.
Engaging your mother in simple, meaningful activities can help redirect her energy and provide a sense of purpose. This might include folding towels, sorting buttons, or even helping with safe kitchen tasks if she enjoys that.
Remember, your mother isn’t doing this to be difficult or strange. It’s simply her brain’s way of coping with the changes brought on by dementia. Approaching the situation with patience, understanding, and creativity can help both you and your mother navigate this challenging time more easily.
