Why Do Dementia Patients Hoard? Causes, Signs, and Solutions
Hoarding is when a person collects and keeps things they don’t need, even if the items are useless or take up too much space. Some people hoard because they are emotionally attached to their things. Others do it because they believe they might need the items in the future. Hoarding is often linked to mental health issues, but can it also be connected to dementia?
Yes, hoarding and dementia are connected. Studies show that hoarding behavior can be an early sign of dementia. Many elderly people with dementia start hoarding as their memory and thinking abilities decline. Different types of dementia, like Alzheimer’s and frontotemporal dementia, can cause hoarding in different ways.
Why Do People with Dementia Hoard?
People with dementia may start hoarding for several reasons:
- Memory problems – They forget that they already have certain things and keep getting more.
- Emotional comfort – Hoarding gives them a sense of security.
- Fear of losing things – They believe others may take their belongings away.
- Confusion – They may not recognize trash and think everything is valuable.
- Personality changes – Dementia can change a person’s behavior, making them act in ways they never did before.
What Are the Signs of Hoarding in Dementia?
Some common hoarding behaviors in dementia patients include:
- Keeping stacks of newspapers, junk mail, or empty containers
- Hoarding food, even expired or rotten items
- Collecting broken items or things with no use
- Hiding things in unusual places (like putting money in the freezer)
- Getting angry when someone tries to throw things away
What Types of Dementia Are Linked to Hoarding?
Different types of dementia can lead to hoarding in different ways:
| Type of Dementia | How It Causes Hoarding |
|---|---|
| Alzheimer’s Disease | Memory loss makes them forget they already own things, leading to excessive collecting. |
| Frontotemporal Dementia | Causes behavior changes, including compulsive collecting. |
| Lewy Body Dementia | May cause confusion and delusions, making them believe they need to keep everything. |
How to Handle Hoarding in Someone with Dementia
If someone you care about is hoarding, here are some things you can do:
- Be patient – Understand that hoarding is part of their condition.
- Clear clutter slowly – Don’t throw everything out at once, as it can cause distress.
- Give them alternatives – Offer a small box where they can keep their “important” things.
- Make their home safe – Too much clutter can be dangerous, so keep pathways clear.
- Seek help – If hoarding is extreme, talk to a doctor or a dementia specialist.
What Does the Research Say?
A Turkish study found that 22% of people with dementia show hoarding behavior. The study looked at different types of dementia and found hoarding in all of them. Here are three cases from the study:
- A man with frontotemporal dementia – He started hoarding old items before showing other dementia symptoms.
- A person with Alzheimer’s disease – He collected piles of paper and refused to throw them away.
- A patient with Lewy body dementia – He had memory loss, saw things that weren’t there, and hoarded random objects.
This research shows that hoarding might be one of the first signs of dementia. If you notice hoarding in an elderly person who didn’t hoard before, it could be an early warning sign.
Key Points to Remember
- Hoarding is common in people with dementia.
- It can be caused by memory loss, confusion, or personality changes.
- Different types of dementia cause hoarding in different ways.
- Hoarding can be an early sign of dementia.
- If hoarding becomes a safety risk, it’s important to intervene.
Thanks for reading! I hope this article helped you understand the link between hoarding and dementia. If you have any questions, comment below. Share this with friends and family on social media.
