One very common symptom of dementia is repetitive behaviour. The person you care for may repeat the same activity, question, or movement over and over again. We know that as a carer, this can be challenging to manage - you may not know how to respond or you may find yourself feeling frustrated. Both of these responses are very normal. Just try to remember, this behaviour is a symptom of their condition.
- Over time, people with dementia lose their memory and therefore their ability to remember what a person has just said or asked.
- Simple everyday tasks such as using a microwave or putting a wash on may become unfamiliar overtime. This can result in them asking lots of questions to better understand a situation.
- It can become increasingly difficult for people living with dementia to express their needs or emotions. They may find themselves repeating themselves in order to convey a message.
- Sometimes people with dementia can feel misunderstood which is understandably frustrating for them. They may feel the need to repeat themselves to get their message across.
- People with dementia may find it increasingly difficult to interpret images and sounds which can raise stress and anxiety. As a result, they may need to ask a lot of questions or repeat themselves.
- Repetitive behaviour may be used as a means of stimulating oneself when bored. This could include repeatedly checking the fridge, turning the television on and off or repeating conversation.
- Repetitive behaviour can occasionally be a side effect of some dementia medications.
- Try to remain calm. Reacting negatively to repetitive behaviour can worsen the behaviour.
- Try to remove any triggers that may be setting off this behaviour. For example, if leaving a shopping bag near the door prompts them to ask if they are going out, remove the bag.
- Keep a calm, non-distracting environment.
- Write down their repeated questions and have the answers to these questions posted around the house (for example, a post-it explaining what time lunch is).
- Think of different memory aids to prompt a patient’s memory so they don’t repeat themselves.
- Check with the GP to determine if the repetitive behaviour is a result of any medication being taken.
For further articles to support you please see ‘What is sundowning and how can it impact the person I care for?’ or 'How to understand and respond to behaviours that challenge.’