Hoarding and Dementia: Understanding the Link
Dementia is a condition that affects the brain, causing problems with memory, thinking, and everyday tasks. It is common among older people, but it can also affect younger individuals. As dementia progresses, it can change a person’s behaviour in many ways, and one behaviour that may emerge is hoarding.
What is Hoarding?
Hoarding is the act of collecting and storing items in large quantities, often to the point where they clutter living spaces. While many people like to keep things, hoarding goes beyond this. It can create unsafe or unhealthy environments, making it difficult to move around or even perform basic tasks like cooking or cleaning.
How Does Dementia Lead to Hoarding?
In people with dementia, the brain struggles to process and manage information as it once did. This can lead to changes in decision-making and judgment. Some people with dementia may begin hoarding for various reasons, such as:
Memory Loss: People with dementia often forget that they already have something, so they may keep buying or saving things they don't need. They might also forget to throw things away, leading to piles of items building up.
Fear of Losing Important Items: As dementia affects the brain, it can cause confusion. A person may start to feel that they cannot throw things away because they might need them later, even if the items are not useful.
Loss of Control: People with dementia can feel a loss of control over their surroundings, especially as they become more dependent on others. Hoarding can be a way of regaining some control over their lives by holding onto things they think they can manage.
Difficulty with Organising: Dementia can make it hard to plan, organise, or understand the value of keeping or discarding certain items. Over time, this can lead to excessive accumulation of things.
Why is Hoarding a Problem?
While hoarding might seem harmless at first, it can cause serious issues for someone with dementia. The clutter can create dangerous situations, such as:
Trip Hazards: Piles of items can make it easy to trip and fall, leading to injury.
Hygiene Issues: If the hoarded items include food or other perishable goods, they may attract pests or lead to an unclean living environment.
Isolation: A person who hoards may become embarrassed about the state of their home, which can lead to social withdrawal and isolation.
How Can Family and Caregivers Help?
If you notice signs of hoarding in someone with dementia, it’s important to approach the situation with patience and understanding. Here are some tips to help:
Communicate Gently: Discuss the issue in a calm and non-judgmental way. People with dementia can become anxious or upset if they feel criticised or misunderstood.
Be Patient: Understand that hoarding is a behaviour linked to the condition. It may take time for the person to accept that the clutter needs to be reduced.
Seek Professional Help: If hoarding becomes a serious concern, a healthcare professional can offer advice and support. They may recommend working with a specialist or therapist to help manage the behaviour.
Create a Safe Environment: Make small changes to their living space to improve safety, such as removing hazards or creating clear pathways. This can reduce the risks of injury and improve their quality of life.
By understanding why it happens and how to approach it, families and caregivers can help create a safer, more comfortable environment for their loved ones. It’s important to approach the situation with empathy and seek support when needed, to ensure that the person with dementia continues to receive the care and respect they deserve.
