Why is my uncle with dementia convinced he has to measure everything with his hands?

Your uncle’s behavior of measuring everything with his hands is likely a symptom of his dementia. This condition affects the brain, causing changes in thinking, memory, and behavior. People with dementia often develop unusual habits or repetitive behaviors that may seem strange to others.

There are a few reasons why your uncle might be doing this:

1. Loss of spatial awareness: Dementia can affect how a person perceives space and objects around them. Your uncle might be trying to make sense of his environment by measuring things.

2. Seeking comfort: Repetitive actions can be soothing for people with dementia. Measuring things might make your uncle feel more in control or calm.

3. Memory issues: He might be trying to remember the size of objects by physically interacting with them.

4. Confusion about time and place: Your uncle might think he’s in a different situation where measuring is necessary, like a past job or hobby.

5. Difficulty communicating: He may be trying to express something but can’t find the right words, so he uses this behavior instead.

It’s important to remember that this behavior isn’t harmful, even if it seems odd. Try to be patient and understanding. If it’s not causing problems, you don’t need to stop him. However, if it’s interfering with daily life or causing stress, speak to his doctor for advice on how to manage it.

Engaging your uncle in other activities might help reduce this behavior. You could try giving him simple tasks to do or objects to handle that are safe and keep his hands busy. Always approach him calmly and with compassion, as getting upset might confuse or distress him further.