Uncle Bob’s Peculiar Eating Habit: A Dementia Dilemma
Imagine this: Your uncle, who has dementia, suddenly decides he’ll only eat food if it’s on the floor. Weird, right? But for families dealing with dementia, situations like this aren’t uncommon.
So, what’s going on here? Well, dementia messes with the brain in all sorts of ways. It can change how a person sees the world, their habits, and even how they eat.
One possibility is that your uncle’s dementia is causing him to see things differently. Maybe the plate on the table doesn’t look right to him anymore, but food on the floor seems normal. It’s like his brain is playing tricks on him.
Another reason could be that he’s trying to regain some control. Dementia can make people feel helpless, so sometimes they do odd things just to feel like they’re making their own choices.
It’s also possible that your uncle is experiencing something called “pica.” This is when people eat things that aren’t food or, in this case, want their food in unusual places. Pica can sometimes happen with dementia.
Remember, your uncle isn’t doing this to be difficult. His brain is changing, and this behavior is just a symptom of that change.
What can you do? First, don’t force him to eat normally. That’ll just upset everyone. Instead, try to make the situation safe. Maybe put a clean cloth on the floor and serve his food there. It’s not ideal, but it’s better than him not eating at all.
Talk to his doctor about this new habit. They might have some ideas or want to check if there’s a medical reason behind it.
Lastly, be patient. Dealing with dementia is tough, but with understanding and creativity, you can help your uncle stay healthy and happy, even if his dinner is on the floor.
