Hiding objects is a common and distressing behavior for families caring for a loved one with dementia. This act, which can involve placing items like a wallet or keys in highly unusual locations, is not an act of malice or an attempt to frustrate caregivers. The behavior is a direct, though confusing, symptom of the progressive changes occurring within the brain. Understanding the underlying neurological and emotional drivers of this behavior is the first step toward managing it with patience and empathy.
The Cognitive Roots of Hiding Behavior
The disappearance of items relates primarily to the deteriorating function of the brain’s memory centers. Deterioration in the hippocampus, an area responsible for forming new memories, means that an individual may perform an action, such as putting a watch in a sock drawer for safekeeping, and immediately forget they did it. This deficit in short-term memory makes it impossible to recall the specific context of the placement.
The behavior is often driven by a deep-seated feeling of insecurity and the development of paranoid thoughts. As memory and cognitive function decline, individuals may experience delusions, believing that others, sometimes even their caregivers, are attempting to steal their possessions. Hiding items is an attempt to protect valuables from this perceived threat.
Hiding can also be an attempt to regain a sense of mastery and control in a confusing and unpredictable world. When a person’s ability to manage complex tasks diminishes, securing personal items can provide a feeling of purpose. This action creates a temporary, manageable order in the face of widespread disorientation.
A decline in executive function affects organizational skills and the ability to process the appropriate use of objects. A person may be searching for a “safe” place to store an item but fail to recognize the illogical nature of the location, such as placing food in a dresser drawer. This disorientation combines with the memory deficit, making the retrieval of the item nearly impossible once the brief thought process that led to the placement is forgotten.
Understanding Different Types of Misplacement
Object disappearance can be categorized into three distinct behaviors, each with a different underlying cause. Simple misplacing is the most frequent occurrence, resulting from a lapse in short-term memory where the person forgets where they set an item. This can involve leaving common objects like glasses or the television remote in slightly unusual but accessible spots.
A more concerning category is true hiding, where the placement is intentional, secretive, and motivated by fear or protection. This behavior manifests as paranoia or delusion that belongings are at risk of being stolen. These items are often placed in highly inaccessible or illogical spots, such as inside a waste bin or under a mattress, and the person will likely deny having moved them.
The third behavior is hoarding or collecting, which involves the accumulation of items, often with little objective value. This impulse is driven by a need for security or a former habit, providing a comforting, repetitive activity. While distinct from hiding, hoarding can complicate the home environment and increase the likelihood of truly valuable items being lost within the growing collection.
Effective Strategies for Caregivers
When a loved one reports that an item is missing, focus on validating their distress without engaging in a logical argument. Caregivers should acknowledge the person’s feeling of loss or fear, responding with a phrase like, “It must be upsetting to think your wallet is gone; let’s look for it together.” Arguing that no one stole the item or attempting to use logic will only escalate their anxiety and mistrust.
Preventative strategies minimize the loss of important or dangerous items. Secure all medications, financial documents, and cleaning supplies in a locked cabinet out of sight. Creating duplicates of frequently misplaced items, such as extra pairs of reading glasses or spare keys, can quickly de-escalate a frantic search.
Creating a “rummaging drawer” can satisfy the person’s need for purposeful activity and control. This designated drawer or box should be filled with safe, familiar objects like soft fabrics, old photographs, or non-valuable items. This provides a safe, controlled outlet for the impulse to search and organize.
To aid in retrieval, caregivers can maintain a written log of the person’s favorite hiding spots, such as pockets of unworn coats, shoes, or under cushions. When an item is lost, these locations should be checked discreetly and regularly. Additionally, check waste bins before disposal, as items are frequently thrown away due to the person’s inability to identify the container’s purpose.