Does dementia cause people to hide things? Understanding the behavior

Yes, many people with dementia and Alzheimer's disease exhibit a challenging behavior where they hide or hoard items. This behavior is not an act of malice but a complex symptom of the neurological changes brought on by the disease. Understanding the root causes of why someone with dementia hides things is crucial for providing compassionate and effective care.

Quick Summary

People with dementia often hide objects due to confusion, memory loss, paranoia, and a need for security, not because they are intentionally malicious. Caregivers can help by understanding the underlying reasons and implementing supportive strategies, such as creating dedicated sorting areas, securing valuables, and responding with patience and empathy.

Key Points

• Memory and Confusion: A primary reason for hiding things is memory loss, where individuals forget where they have placed items, often putting them in illogical locations.

• Paranoia and Anxiety: Hiding items can stem from a heightened sense of paranoia, as the individual may fear that others are stealing their possessions.

• Need for Control: As dementia progresses, hiding items can be a coping mechanism for individuals to regain a sense of security and control in a world that is becoming confusing to them.

• Managing the Behavior: Practical strategies include creating safe, designated rummaging areas and securing important valuables to prevent loss and reduce anxiety.

• Caregiver Response: Responding with patience and understanding is crucial; avoid confrontation and remember the behavior is a symptom of the disease, not a personal action.

• Differences from Normal Forgetfulness: Unlike normal forgetfulness, dementia-related hiding is often accompanied by paranoia and occurs in unusual, secretive locations.

Why People with Dementia Hide Things

Hiding objects is a common and often distressing behavior for families of those living with dementia. This action stems from a variety of cognitive and emotional changes happening in the brain. To manage this behavior, it's essential to look beyond the action itself and understand the motivations behind it. Here are some of the primary reasons.

Confusion and Memory Loss

One of the most straightforward explanations for this behavior is memory loss and confusion. As dementia progresses, a person's short-term memory is significantly affected. They may place an item in what seems like a safe or logical spot at the time, only to forget where they put it minutes later. A person might put their keys in the refrigerator or their wallet in a kitchen cupboard, mistaking it for a more appropriate storage location. This is not an intentional act of hiding but a byproduct of failing memory and reduced organizational skills.

Paranoia and Anxiety

Dementia can also trigger feelings of paranoia and suspicion. A person may become convinced that others, even family members, are trying to steal their belongings. As a result, they may hide their valuables in what they believe are secret, safe places to protect them. This behavior is driven by a deep sense of mistrust and anxiety, which can be very distressing for both the individual and their loved ones. Accusations of theft can be especially hurtful, but it is important to remember that these are symptoms of the disease and not personal attacks.

The Need for Control and Security

As the world becomes more confusing and unpredictable for someone with dementia, they may feel a profound loss of control. Hiding items can be a way to regain a sense of power over their environment. Stashing away belongings can give them a temporary feeling of purpose and security. The act of rummaging and sorting can also provide a form of engagement, occupying their time when they are feeling bored.

Underlying Boredom or Seeking Engagement

Sometimes, the act of rummaging and hiding is a way to cope with boredom or a need for engagement. As individuals lose the ability to participate in more complex activities, simpler actions like sorting or rummaging through drawers can offer a sense of purpose. Caregivers can redirect this energy by providing safe rummaging boxes filled with interesting, non-valuable objects to sort and handle.

How to Respond When a Person with Dementia Hides Things

Responding to this behavior with patience and understanding is key. Here are some practical tips for caregivers and family members:

• Stay Calm and Reassure: Do not get angry or confrontational. Remember that the behavior is caused by the disease. Reassure the person that their belongings are safe and that you will help them look.
• Create Safe Rummaging Areas: Designate a specific drawer, basket, or box where the person can freely sort and hide non-essential items. Filling it with things like old magazines, harmless trinkets, or fabrics can satisfy their need to engage without causing stress over missing valuables.
• Secure Important Items: Proactively remove and secure important documents, financial records, keys, and other valuables. Make copies of essential documents and store the originals safely.
• Use Visual Reminders: Clearly label drawers or storage areas with words or pictures to help the person remember where things belong.
• Consider a Locator Device: For items they frequently hide, such as glasses or a wallet, a locator device can be attached.

Comparing Normal Forgetfulness with Dementia-Related Hiding

Understanding the difference between typical misplacing of items and hiding due to dementia is helpful for caregivers.

Feature	Normal Forgetfulness	Dementia-Related Hiding
Location	Items are misplaced in common areas (e.g., keys on a counter).	Items are hidden in unusual or illogical places (e.g., jewelry in a shoe).
Memory	The person might remember misplacing the item with a little thought.	The person has no memory of hiding the item and may accuse others of stealing.
Emotion	Mild frustration or annoyance.	Intense anxiety, paranoia, or anger, especially if confronted.
Behavior	Occasional and isolated incidents.	Frequent, often secretive, and sometimes escalating to hoarding.

Conclusion: A Compassionate Approach is Key

Understanding why someone with dementia hides things is a critical step toward managing this challenging behavior effectively. It is not a sign of stubbornness but a symptom of a progressive disease impacting their memory, perception, and emotions. By responding with patience, compassion, and practical strategies like creating safe rummaging spaces and securing valuables, caregivers can reduce stress for everyone involved. Ultimately, focusing on the person's comfort and emotional well-being is the most important part of providing compassionate care. For more information and resources on managing dementia behaviors, the Alzheimer's Society offers valuable guidance and support.

Visit the Alzheimer's Society website for more information on managing dementia behaviors.

Frequently Asked Questions

Is hiding things a sign of dementia?

Yes, hiding and misplacing items, especially in unusual places, is a common and often early sign of dementia. It's often linked to memory loss, confusion, and anxiety.

What is the difference between hoarding and hiding in dementia?

While related, hoarding typically involves collecting a large number of items, often with little value, while hiding is a more secretive behavior focused on securing specific items the person values or fears losing.

How can I prevent my loved one with dementia from hiding valuables?

To prevent hiding valuables, proactively remove and secure important items. You can make copies of essential documents and provide a designated 'rummaging' box with non-valuable objects to satisfy the person's need to sort and handle things.

What should I do if my loved one with dementia accuses me of stealing?

Stay calm and avoid arguing. Remind yourself that this is the disease talking, not the person. Reassure them that you will help them find the item. The accusation stems from their paranoia and confusion, not reality.

Why do dementia patients hide food?

Hiding food can be a symptom of dementia, potentially stemming from anxiety about not having enough food, memory issues causing them to forget they've just eaten, or simply a lack of impulse control.

How do I search for hidden items without upsetting my loved one?

It's best to search for items discreetly and calmly. Avoid making a big deal of the search. Look in illogical places, and remember that the person with dementia may have no memory of where they put something.

Could hiding items be related to a past profession?

Sometimes. Long-engrained habits from a person's career can influence their behavior. A former accountant might hide important-looking papers, or a former restaurant worker might collect napkins and utensils.

What if the hiding behavior becomes dangerous?

If hiding or hoarding creates a dangerous environment (e.g., clutter leading to falls, hiding spoiled food), immediate action is needed. Secure the environment, remove potential hazards, and consider professional care assistance.