Dementia warning sign could include this strange fridge habit - check if you do it
There aren't many families in the UK that are not affected in some way by dementia. The incurable condition can massively impact those diagnosed, as well as their friends and families.
While the symptoms of dementia are subtle, experts have sounded the alarm that a peculiar kitchen behaviour could be an indicator of the condition.
Dementia encompasses a series of symptoms reflective of progressive cognitive decline, and is most prevalent amongst those over 65. It currently affects nearly a million Brits.
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Memory lapses, mood swings, and verbal struggles are signature signals of the condition, but more subtle indicators can slip under the radar, and can appear in changes to everyday behaviours.
The Alzheimer Society in Canada has said that "misplacing things" can be a potential red flag. Placing random items in places they don't belong, such as putting the TV remote in the fridge, could be an indicator of the condition, reports Bristol Live.
The society explained: "Are you, or the person you know, putting things in places where they shouldn't be?"
But misplacing things isn't a sure sign of dementia, and it's vital to differentiate this from run-of-the-mill absent-mindedness.
"Anyone can temporarily misplace a wallet or keys. However, a person living with dementia may put things in inappropriate places," it clarified. "For example, a remote in the refrigerator."
The Alzheimer's Society in the UK has also highlighted this as a key symptom to watch out for in individuals with dementia.
The society said: “People with dementia often lose items as a result of their memory loss.
“They may misplace common items, such as glasses or keys, or put an item somewhere for safekeeping and then forget where it is. They may also leave items in unusual places – for example, leaving the remote control in the bathroom, or tea bags in the fridge.”
This can cause further problems if the affected person thinks someone is hiding items from them.
It continued: “If the person thinks an item should be somewhere and it’s not, this may lead them to think that someone is hiding or stealing things from them.
“This is a type of delusion. It can be difficult both for the person and those around them. It can help to try to see things from their point of view.”
This habit could also lead a person with dementia to hoard or stockpile things, in order to feel like they have some control.
The charity added: “It is also important to note that there may be truth in what the person is saying – don’t dismiss it because they have dementia.”
The Alzheimer’s society shared how you can help a person with dementia who is hiding, hoarding or losing things:
Try to keep items in places where the person is used to them being
Consider getting copies of items that are important or often misplaced
Keep rooms and drawers tidy
Consider getting a tray marked ‘letters’ or ‘post’
Use visual clues to explain where items go, such as pictures or photos stuck to cupboard doors
Consider a locator device to help find items that often get lost
When looking for a lost item, use your knowledge of the person to help you think where they might have put things
If the person puts items in unusual places but this doesn’t pose a risk to anyone in the household, it may be best to leave things as they are.
If someone you know displays symptoms of dementia you should speak to a medical professional. While there is no cure for the condition, there are treatments and support available to help manage it.
