Your uncle’s unusual behavior of trying to put his pants on over his head is likely a symptom of his dementia. As dementia progresses, it can affect a person’s ability to perform everyday tasks like dressing themselves[1][5].
This kind of confusion with clothing is actually quite common in people with dementia. They might forget the proper order of putting on clothes or how specific items are meant to be worn[13]. Your uncle may have lost the ability to recognize pants as leg coverings, or he might be mixing up the steps involved in getting dressed.
Dementia can cause problems with visual perception and spatial awareness. This means your uncle might not be able to tell the difference between his head and his legs when it comes to putting on pants[5]. It’s not that he’s being difficult or silly – his brain is simply having trouble processing the information correctly.
As dementia advances, people often need more help with daily activities like dressing. It’s important to be patient and offer gentle guidance without making your uncle feel embarrassed or frustrated[1]. You might try laying out his clothes in the correct order or giving simple, step-by-step instructions to help him dress properly.
Remember, this behavior isn’t your uncle’s fault. It’s a result of the changes happening in his brain due to dementia. Providing a calm, supportive environment can help make dressing easier for him[5]. If you’re concerned about his ability to care for himself, it might be time to talk to his doctor about additional support or care options.
