Your uncle with dementia might be turning all the clocks backward because of a condition called sundowning. This happens when people with dementia get confused about time, especially in the late afternoon or evening.
As the day goes on, your uncle might feel more mixed up. He might think it’s earlier than it really is. Turning the clocks back could be his way of trying to make sense of things.
Dementia messes with the brain’s internal clock. Your uncle might not be able to tell if it’s day or night anymore. Moving the clock hands might make him feel like he has some control over time.
Sometimes, people with dementia do strange things with clocks. They might draw the numbers in the wrong order or put the hands in odd places. It’s all part of how the disease affects their thinking.
Your uncle probably isn’t doing this on purpose to cause trouble. It’s just his brain getting signals mixed up. He might even think he’s helping by “fixing” the clocks.
To help your uncle, you could try using special clocks made for people with dementia. These clocks have big numbers and say things like “Morning” or “Evening” to make it easier to know what time of day it is.
It’s also good to keep a regular daily schedule. This can help your uncle feel more settled and less confused about time. Doing the same things at the same times each day gives him a sense of what to expect.
Remember, your uncle isn’t trying to be difficult. His brain is just working differently now. Being patient and understanding can make things easier for both of you.
