Experts have warned that an unusual habit with the fridge could be a lesser known symptom of dementia. If a loved one starts doing this you may need to speak to a GP.
Dementia is a syndrome, which is a group of associated symptoms, linked to the ongoing decline of the brain. It is most common in people over the age of 65 and currently affects almost one million people in the UK.
Some of the symptoms are fairly well known, including memory loss, behavioural changes, and difficulty with speech and language. However, others may be less so and could manifest in some unlikely places.
The Alzheimer Society in Canada warns that “misplacing things” could be a key sign of dementia.
This could result in someone putting things that don’t belong in the fridge – such as a TV remote.
“Whether you’re concerned for yourself or someone you care about, it’s important to know the most common warning signs of dementia so you can ensure an early diagnosis,” the charity said on its website. It explained further: “Are you, or the person you know, putting things in places where they shouldn’t be?”
But it’s important to note that this can differ from usual forgetfulness. The charity said: “Anyone can temporarily misplace a wallet or keys. However, a person living with dementia may put things in inappropriate places. For example, a remote in the refrigerator.”
This symptom is also listed by the Alzheimer’s Society in the UK as something to look for. It 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 could also lead a person with dementia to hoard or stockpile things, 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.
