Why is my uncle with dementia arranging pennies into a perfect circle?

Your uncle with dementia arranging pennies into a perfect circle might seem puzzling, but it’s actually quite common for people with dementia to engage in repetitive behaviors like this. There are a few reasons why he might be doing this:

First, it could be a way for him to feel a sense of control and order in a world that’s becoming increasingly confusing. As dementia progresses, many people struggle to make sense of their surroundings. Arranging objects in a specific pattern can provide a comforting sense of structure and accomplishment.

Second, this activity might be tapping into old memories or skills. Perhaps your uncle used to work with coins or enjoyed organizing things in his past. Even if he can’t verbalize it, his brain might be drawing on these familiar patterns.

Third, repetitive actions can be soothing for people with dementia. The simple, focused task of arranging pennies might help calm anxiety or restlessness that he’s experiencing.

It’s also possible that this behavior is simply enjoyable for him. The tactile sensation of handling the coins and the visual satisfaction of creating a perfect circle might be pleasurable activities in themselves.

While this behavior is generally harmless, it’s a good idea to make sure he’s not becoming overly fixated on it to the exclusion of other activities or interactions. If you’re concerned, you can gently try to engage him in other tasks or conversations.

Remember, even if the reason behind this behavior isn’t clear to us, it likely serves an important purpose for your uncle. As long as it’s not causing any harm, it’s often best to allow people with dementia to continue with these types of comforting routines.