Why is Uncle Bob Putting Socks in the Microwave?
If you’ve noticed your uncle with dementia stuffing socks into the microwave, you’re not alone. This kind of unusual behavior is actually pretty common for people with dementia.
As dementia progresses, it can cause changes in the brain that affect judgment, impulse control, and understanding of how everyday objects work[1]. Your uncle might not realize the microwave isn’t for socks, or he could be confusing it with the dryer.
Sometimes people with dementia develop something called “pica,” where they try to eat non-food items[14]. While socks aren’t exactly edible, the urge to put random things in their mouth (or appliances) can be related.
Repetitive behaviors are also typical with dementia. Your uncle might be fixated on the action of putting things in the microwave, even if it doesn’t make sense to others[1].
It’s also possible he’s trying to warm up his feet in a roundabout way. Dementia can mess with temperature perception, so he might always feel cold.
The main thing is to stay calm and gently redirect him. Remove the socks, show him where they actually go, and try to figure out if he needs something (like warmer socks). You might need to put a lock on the microwave or supervise its use.
Remember, he’s not doing this to be difficult. His brain is changing, and sometimes that leads to some pretty wacky behavior. Be patient, keep him safe, and don’t be afraid to laugh at the absurdity of it all sometimes. A sense of humor can go a long way in dementia care.
