Unpacking the Behavior: The Root Causes
For caregivers, the behavior of a person with dementia constantly moving, hiding, or rummaging through items can be deeply frustrating. However, this is not a deliberate act of annoyance. Instead, it is a complex symptom stemming from the cognitive and emotional changes caused by the disease. It can be a form of communication, a coping mechanism, or a reflection of confusion and memory loss. The reasons often overlap, and understanding them is key to a compassionate response.
The Need for Security and Control
As dementia progresses, a person loses control over their memory, thoughts, and environment. This can lead to profound feelings of anxiety and insecurity. Moving objects, organizing, or hoarding items provides a sense of purpose and control in a world that no longer makes sense. The repeated action can be soothing, like a self-imposed routine that creates temporary stability. The familiarity of handling a particular object can be comforting, even if its purpose is forgotten.
Searching for the Lost Past
Memory loss is a hallmark of dementia, and this can manifest as a persistent need to search for a person, place, or object from the past. The person may be looking for a childhood toy, a set of keys they've misplaced, or preparing to go to a job they held decades ago. The search is not rational from an outside perspective, but for the person with dementia, it is a real, urgent task. They might hide items as a way to "protect" them from perceived threats or theft, only to forget where they put them moments later.
Responding to Unmet Needs
When a person with dementia loses the ability to clearly communicate their needs, their behavior becomes their language. Moving items around can be a non-verbal cue that they are feeling hungry, thirsty, cold, or bored. For instance, rummaging through kitchen drawers might signal a craving for a snack, while pulling at their clothes could indicate physical discomfort. Learning to interpret these behaviors requires observation and empathy, as the spoken words may be gone, but the feelings remain.
Sensory and Environmental Triggers
External factors can significantly influence this behavior. One of the most common is "sundowning," a phenomenon where confusion and agitation worsen in the late afternoon and evening. The changing light can cause shadows that appear threatening or confusing, triggering a flight or search response. Overstimulation from a busy room, loud noises, or even the reflection from a window can overwhelm their senses. Conversely, a quiet, boring environment with nothing to do can also lead to restlessness.
Strategies for Compassionate Caregivers
Managing this behavior requires a shift in perspective from trying to stop it to understanding and redirecting it. Here are some strategies that can help.
1. Create Safe and Purposeful Environments
- Designate a "rummage box" or drawer filled with safe, familiar objects. This can include old photos, sorting buttons, or folding towels.
- Remove or lock away dangerous items, important documents, and valuables to prevent them from being hidden or lost.
- Keep a predictable routine to minimize anxiety and confusion about what comes next. Consistent meal times, bedtimes, and activity schedules can be very grounding.
2. Redirect and Engage
- When the person is actively moving things, gently redirect their attention to a meaningful activity. For someone who was a former homemaker, folding laundry could provide a sense of purpose. For a former handyman, a small toolbox with safe, familiar items to organize could be helpful.
- Engage them with activities that occupy their hands, such as gardening, art projects, or simply holding a textured object. The Alzheimer's Association has great resources on engaging activities.
3. Focus on the Emotion, Not the Fact
- Do not argue or reason with the person about why they shouldn't move things. Instead, acknowledge the feeling behind the action. If they are frantically searching, offer reassurance: "You seem worried about something. Let's look for it together."
- Validate their experience. If they believe someone has stolen their wallet, you can say, "That sounds upsetting. Let's check for it in your favorite spot."
Comparison Table: Effective vs. Ineffective Responses
| Effective Responses | Ineffective Responses |
|---|---|
| Validate their feelings and emotions. | Correct their version of reality. |
| Redirect with a positive, purposeful activity. | Argue about where the object belongs. |
| Simplify the environment and routines. | Add to the confusion with more information. |
| Provide a safe space for the behavior. | Prevent the behavior entirely without understanding it. |
| Communicate calmly and reassuringly. | Express frustration or impatience. |
Conclusion: Finding Empathy in Repetition
The repetitive behavior of moving objects is a testament to the inner turmoil and confusion experienced by someone living with dementia. By moving from frustration to empathy, caregivers can better understand the motivation behind the actions. Providing a sense of security, offering purposeful distraction, and validating emotions can significantly reduce anxiety for both the person with dementia and their caregiver. With patience and a calm approach, what seems like a chaotic habit can be managed with grace, improving the quality of life for everyone involved.
