Your uncle with dementia whispering to his shoes may seem strange, but it’s actually quite common for people with dementia to exhibit unusual behaviors like this. Dementia affects the brain in ways that can alter perception and communication.
There are a few possible explanations for why your uncle might be whispering to his shoes:
He may be experiencing visual hallucinations, which can make him see things that aren’t really there. Perhaps he thinks he sees or hears something in or near his shoes.
Your uncle could be reliving a memory or having a flashback to a past event involving shoes. Dementia often impacts short-term memory while leaving older memories intact.
It’s possible he’s trying to communicate but is having trouble expressing himself normally due to the cognitive effects of dementia. Whispering to objects may feel more comfortable to him.
Some people with dementia develop repetitive behaviors or fixations on certain objects as the disease progresses. The shoes may have become a focus for your uncle.
He might simply be confused about where he is or what he’s doing. Dementia can cause disorientation and mix up everyday activities.
While it may be unsettling to witness, this behavior isn’t harmful. The best approach is usually to calmly redirect your uncle’s attention if needed, rather than confronting him about it. Providing reassurance and maintaining a calm environment can help reduce confusion and agitation.
If you’re concerned, it’s always a good idea to mention new behaviors to your uncle’s doctor. They can evaluate if any changes to his care or treatment plan are needed. Remember that dementia affects everyone differently, and unusual behaviors are often just part of the disease process[3][7].
