Why does my elderly mother keep her eyes closed? Uncovering the reasons

According to Alzheimer's Society forums, closing their eyes is a common behavior reported by caregivers of individuals with advanced dementia. If you've been asking, "Why does my elderly mother keep her eyes closed?", understanding the potential causes is the first step toward effective care.

Quick Summary

An elderly mother keeping her eyes closed can stem from various factors, including cognitive issues like dementia, physical discomfort from vision problems, or simply a way to manage overwhelming sensory input and conserve energy. This behavior can be a sign of deeper underlying conditions or a natural part of the aging process, requiring careful observation and medical evaluation.

Key Points

• Sensory Overload: For many with dementia, closing their eyes is a way to block out overwhelming visual stimulation and reduce confusion.

• Physical Discomfort: Conditions like dry eyes, cataracts, or light sensitivity can make keeping eyes open physically uncomfortable.

• Energy Conservation: As the body ages and weakens, closing eyes can be a way to conserve energy and rest, a normal part of the aging process.

• Emotional Coping: It can be a form of self-soothing or a sign of withdrawal when an elderly person feels anxious, frustrated, or unable to communicate.

• Advanced Stages of Dementia: This behavior is common in later stages as the brain and body become too fatigued to engage with the external world.

• End-of-Life Indicator: In some cases, increased eye-closing can signify the natural process of the body shutting down towards the end of life.

Understanding the Physical and Emotional Factors

When an elderly mother keeps her eyes closed, it can be a source of worry for family members. This behavior is often a complex issue with multiple potential causes, ranging from straightforward physical problems to more nuanced cognitive or emotional reasons. It is crucial to approach this with patience and careful observation to provide the best possible support.

Vision Problems and Physical Discomfort

For some seniors, closing their eyes is a response to physical discomfort. Their vision may have deteriorated to a point where seeing is no longer a pleasant experience but a strain. Conditions like cataracts, glaucoma, or macular degeneration can make bright lights irritating and images blurry or distorted. Closing their eyes can be a simple, non-verbal way of finding relief.

• Dry Eye Syndrome: A common condition in older adults where the eyes don't produce enough tears, leading to a gritty, burning sensation. Keeping eyes closed can help moisturize them and reduce irritation.
• Light Sensitivity (Photophobia): Certain medical conditions or medications can increase sensitivity to light, causing a person to shut their eyes to find comfort.
• Fatigue and Energy Conservation: The body, as it ages, conserves energy for essential functions. Keeping eyes open requires muscle effort, and as overall strength declines, a person may find it less taxing to keep them closed.

Cognitive Decline and Dementia

One of the most frequently cited reasons for this behavior, especially in later stages of dementia, is sensory overload. As dementia progresses, the brain's ability to process visual information and filter out background stimuli diminishes. A visually busy or noisy environment can become overwhelming and confusing. By closing their eyes, an individual can mentally retreat and create a calmer internal space.

Late-Stage Dementia and Withdrawal In advanced stages of dementia, the individual may withdraw from their surroundings. This can manifest as longer periods of sleep or simply resting with their eyes closed. This isn't always a conscious choice but a natural progression of the disease as the brain shuts down or is too fatigued to engage with the external world. They may still be able to hear and process auditory input, even if they appear to be non-responsive with their eyes closed.

Psychological and Emotional Reasons

Closing eyes can also be a coping mechanism for emotional distress or frustration. When communication becomes difficult, or they are no longer able to express their feelings verbally, shutting their eyes can be a way to disengage from a situation that is causing anxiety or sadness. It can be a protective action, a form of self-soothing when the world becomes too confusing or frightening.

Medical Issues and End-of-Life Stages

Beyond chronic conditions, more immediate medical problems or the natural process of end-of-life care can cause an elderly person to keep their eyes closed. It is essential to rule out these possibilities with a healthcare provider.

• Pain or Infection: If the behavior starts suddenly, it could be a sign of an eye infection, headache, or other underlying pain. A doctor should be consulted to investigate any abrupt changes.
• Medication Side Effects: Some medications, particularly those used for sleep, anxiety, or pain management, can cause increased drowsiness.
• End-of-Life Process: In the final stages of life, it is very common for a person to spend most of their time with their eyes closed. The body is preparing to shut down, and the individual often becomes less responsive and sleeps for longer periods. Sensory withdrawal is a normal part of this journey.

Comparison of Potential Causes

Cause	Description	Key Indicators
Dementia/Cognitive Decline	Overwhelming sensory input, difficulty processing information, mental withdrawal.	Confusion, agitation in busy environments, non-verbal cues.
Vision Problems	Physical discomfort from bright lights, blurred vision, or dry eyes.	Squinting, eye-rubbing, avoidance of bright areas, sudden onset.
Fatigue	Reduced energy levels due to age or illness, effort to keep eyes open is too much.	Overall weakness, drowsiness, sleeping more frequently.
Psychological Stress	Coping mechanism for anxiety, frustration, or communication difficulties.	Occurs during stressful interactions, signs of distress when eyes are open.
End-of-Life	Natural sensory withdrawal as the body's systems shut down.	In advanced stages, less responsiveness, increased sleeping.

What You Can Do as a Caregiver

Addressing this behavior requires a thoughtful and sensitive approach. It is important to avoid assumptions and focus on observation and communication, even if non-verbal.

1. Consult a Medical Professional: The first step should always be to seek a medical opinion to rule out any treatable physical issues. An ophthalmologist can check for vision problems, and a general practitioner can evaluate for other health concerns or medication side effects.
2. Optimize the Environment: Simplify the surroundings by reducing clutter and harsh lighting. Dim lighting and soft, calming sounds can make the environment more soothing and less overwhelming. Consider playing familiar, gentle music or reading aloud.
3. Engage with Other Senses: Since visual engagement may be difficult, focus on other senses. Gentle touch, like holding her hand, can provide comfort and reassurance. Talking to her in a calm, clear voice can also maintain connection, as hearing is often one of the last senses to fade.
4. Practice Patience: For an elderly person with dementia, the world is a confusing place. Pushing them to open their eyes can cause distress. Acknowledge their need for rest and quiet, and continue to engage with them in a calm and reassuring manner.
5. Look for Patterns: Keep a journal of when the behavior occurs. Is it after meals? In a specific room? During certain activities? This can help pinpoint triggers and provide valuable information for a healthcare provider.

Supporting Communication When Eyes Are Closed

Just because her eyes are closed does not mean your mother is not present. She may still be processing what she hears. Use these techniques to communicate effectively:

• Speak in a normal, gentle tone.
• Announce your presence when you enter the room.
• Use simple, clear sentences.
• Address her by name.
• Continue to offer comforting words and conversation.

For more information on compassionate care for seniors with dementia, the Alzheimer's Association offers a wealth of resources and support. You can find guidance here.

Conclusion

Seeing an elderly mother keep her eyes closed can be distressing, but understanding the potential reasons behind it is key to providing compassionate and effective care. Whether it is a result of visual discomfort, a coping mechanism for overwhelming sensory input, or a sign of advancing cognitive decline, each situation requires sensitivity and a personalized approach. By working with medical professionals, adjusting the environment, and focusing on other forms of sensory engagement, you can continue to provide comfort and connection, even when her eyes are closed.

Frequently Asked Questions

Is it normal for an elderly person to keep their eyes closed?

Yes, it can be, especially in later stages of life. This can be due to various reasons, including advanced fatigue, visual impairment, cognitive decline, or as a way to cope with overstimulation.

What should I do if my elderly mother keeps her eyes closed?

First, consult a doctor to rule out medical issues like eye discomfort or medication side effects. Create a calming environment with dim lighting and gentle sounds. Continue to speak to her gently, as hearing is often intact.

Could my mother be sad or depressed if she keeps her eyes closed?

Yes, it's a possibility. When an elderly person struggles to communicate their feelings, withdrawing and closing their eyes can be a sign of distress, anxiety, or depression. It's important to monitor for other signs of mood changes.

Is keeping eyes closed a sign of late-stage dementia?

Often, yes. In the later stages of dementia, the brain's ability to process visual input and manage stimulation decreases significantly. Closing eyes can be a way for the person to cope with this sensory overload.

How can I communicate with my mother if she keeps her eyes closed?

Focus on verbal and tactile communication. Speak in a clear, calm voice, address her by name, and announce your presence. Gentle touch, like holding her hand, can also provide a strong connection.

Could medication cause my elderly mother to keep her eyes closed?

Yes. Some medications, particularly sedatives, sleeping pills, or certain pain relievers, can cause increased drowsiness or fatigue, leading a person to keep their eyes closed more often.

How do I know if it's a vision problem vs. dementia?

If it's a vision problem, you might notice other symptoms like squinting, eye-rubbing, or avoidance of bright lights. If it's dementia, the behavior is more likely to occur during confusing or overstimulating situations and may be accompanied by other cognitive symptoms.