Why Do Dementia Patients Rub Their Head

Dementia is a condition that affects millions of people around the world, and it can manifest itself in a variety of ways. One of the common behaviors that people with dementia exhibit is rubbing their heads. This behavior can be puzzling to caregivers and loved ones, and it may be difficult to understand why it is happening. In this blog post, we will explore some of the reasons why dementia patients rub their heads.

Introduction to Dementia

Before we delve into the reasons why dementia patients rub their heads, it is important to understand what dementia is. Dementia is a group of conditions that affect cognitive function, including memory, communication, and problem-solving skills. It is often associated with aging, although it can also affect younger people.

There are several different types of dementia, including Alzheimer’s disease, vascular dementia, and Lewy body dementia. While each type of dementia has its own unique set of symptoms, they all share the common characteristic of cognitive decline.

The Reasons Why Dementia Patients Rub Their Heads

There are several different reasons why dementia patients may rub their heads. These can include physical discomfort, emotional distress, or cognitive impairment.

Physical Discomfort

One of the most common reasons why dementia patients may rub their heads is physical discomfort. This could include anything from a headache or earache to an itch or irritation on the scalp. Because people with dementia may have difficulty communicating their discomfort, they may resort to rubbing their heads as a way of expressing their discomfort.

Emotional Distress

Another reason why dementia patients may rub their heads is emotional distress. People with dementia may feel confused, anxious, or scared, and they may not be able to express these feelings in words. Rubbing their head may be a way of self-soothing and calming themselves down.

Cognitive Impairment

Finally, dementia patients may rub their heads as a result of cognitive impairment. Dementia can affect a person’s perception of their own body and surroundings, and they may not be able to make sense of what is happening around them. Rubbing their head may be a way of grounding themselves and trying to make sense of their environment.

What Can You Do to Help?

If you are caring for someone with dementia who is rubbing their head, there are several things you can do to help. The first step is to try to identify the cause of the behavior. Are they experiencing physical discomfort, emotional distress, or cognitive impairment?

Once you have identified the cause, you can take steps to address it. For physical discomfort, you may want to consult with a healthcare professional to see if there is an underlying medical condition that needs to be treated. 

For emotional distress, you can try to provide comfort and reassurance to the person. For cognitive impairment, you may need to simplify the person’s environment or provide more structured activities to help them feel more grounded.

You can also try to redirect the person’s behavior by offering them a distraction or engaging them in a different activity. For example, you could offer them a favorite snack or suggest going for a walk together.

Is rubbing the head a common behavior among all types of dementia patients?

The answer is not straightforward, as the behavior of rubbing the head can be caused by a variety of factors. For instance, some people with dementia may rub their heads as a way to alleviate discomfort or pain. This may be due to underlying medical conditions or simply from a general feeling of unease.

Another possible explanation for head-rubbing in dementia patients is anxiety. People with dementia often feel anxious or agitated, and rubbing their heads may be a way to self-soothe. This behavior can be observed in people with different types of dementia, including Alzheimer’s disease, vascular dementia, Lewy body dementia, and frontotemporal dementia.

However, not all people with dementia exhibit head-rubbing behavior. Some may display other behaviors, such as pacing, wandering, or repeating words or phrases. These behaviors are known as “behavioral and psychological symptoms of dementia” (BPSD) and can have a significant impact on the quality of life of both the patient and their caregivers.

It is important to note that the behavior of rubbing the head is not exclusive to people with dementia. It can also be observed in individuals with other neurological disorders or as a result of certain medications. Therefore, it is crucial to identify the underlying cause of head-rubbing behavior before assuming it is related to dementia.

Can medication or other interventions reduce or eliminate head-rubbing behavior in dementia patients?

One medication that is effective in reducing head-rubbing behavior in dementia patients is antipsychotics. These medications can help to alleviate anxiety and agitation, which may be contributing to head rubbing behavior. However, it is important to note that antipsychotics can have side effects and should be used cautiously in older adults.

Another medication that may help reduce head-rubbing behavior is antidepressants. These medications can help to improve mood and reduce anxiety, which may in turn reduce the frequency of head rubbing behavior. However, as with antipsychotics, it is important to weigh the potential benefits of antidepressants against the potential risks.

Non-pharmacological interventions may also be effective in reducing head-rubbing behavior in dementia patients. One such intervention is music therapy. Research has shown that music therapy can help to reduce anxiety and improve mood in dementia patients. This may in turn reduce the frequency of head-rubbing behavior.

Another non-pharmacological intervention that may help reduce head rubbing behavior is massage therapy. Massage therapy can help to alleviate pain and discomfort, which may be contributing to head rubbing behavior. It can also help to promote relaxation and reduce anxiety.

In addition to medication and non-pharmacological interventions, it is important to ensure that the environment is conducive to the well-being of dementia patients. This may include ensuring that the patient is comfortable and not experiencing any pain or discomfort. It may also involve creating a calm and soothing environment that promotes relaxation.

Are there any long-term negative effects associated with head-rubbing behavior in dementia patients?

Head rubbing is a common behavior observed in dementia patients. This behavior can be caused by a variety of factors, including discomfort, pain, and anxiety. While head rubbing itself may not have any negative long-term effects, it can be a sign of underlying issues that require attention.

One potential issue that may be associated with head-rubbing behavior in dementia patients is skin irritation. Repeated rubbing of the head can lead to irritation and even skin breakdown, especially if the patient has dry or sensitive skin. This can be exacerbated by the use of medications that can cause dry skin, such as antipsychotics.

Another potential issue that may be associated with head rubbing behavior is the development of pressure ulcers. Pressure ulcers, also known as bedsores, are a common problem in patients with limited mobility. The repeated rubbing of the head can increase the risk of pressure ulcers developing on the scalp and other areas of the head.

In addition to physical issues, head-rubbing behavior in dementia patients can also have negative psychological effects. For example, patients who engage in head rubbing may be experiencing significant discomfort or pain, which can lead to anxiety and agitation. This, in turn, can lead to further head-rubbing behavior, creating a vicious cycle.

Furthermore, head-rubbing behavior in dementia patients may be a sign of unmet needs. For example, the patient may be experiencing pain or discomfort that is not being adequately addressed. Alternatively, the patient may be experiencing anxiety or depression, which can lead to head-rubbing behavior as a coping mechanism.

Caregivers and healthcare providers need to address head-rubbing behavior in dementia patients promptly and appropriately. This may involve identifying and addressing underlying issues such as pain or discomfort, providing appropriate medications to alleviate anxiety or agitation, and providing non-pharmacological interventions such as music therapy or massage therapy.

Is there a specific time of day or trigger that tends to cause head-rubbing behavior in dementia patients?

One trigger for head rubbing behavior in dementia patients may be discomfort or pain. This can be caused by a variety of factors, such as an ill-fitting hat or an injury to the head. Dementia patients may also be unable to communicate their discomfort effectively, leading to head-rubbing behavior as a way to alleviate their discomfort.

Another trigger for head rubbing behavior may be anxiety or agitation. Dementia patients often experience confusion and disorientation, which can lead to anxiety and agitation. Head rubbing may be a way for patients to self-soothe and cope with these feelings.

The timing of head rubbing behavior can also vary among dementia patients. Some patients may engage in head-rubbing behavior during the day, while others may do so primarily at night. Nighttime head-rubbing behavior may be particularly challenging for caregivers, as it can disrupt the patient’s sleep and lead to further behavioral issues.

Other triggers for head rubbing behavior in dementia patients may include changes in routine, environmental factors such as loud noises or bright lights, and the use of certain medications. Identifying these triggers can help caregivers anticipate and prevent head-rubbing behavior before it occurs.

In addition to identifying triggers, caregivers can also use non-pharmacological interventions to help reduce head rubbing behavior. Music therapy, massage therapy, and aromatherapy are all potential options for helping dementia patients cope with anxiety and agitation and reduce head-rubbing behavior.

Are there any cultural or societal factors that may influence head-rubbing behavior in dementia patients?

While head-rubbing behavior is a common occurrence among dementia patients, cultural and societal factors may play a role in how and why it manifests. These factors can influence both the prevalence and interpretation of head-rubbing behavior in different populations.

In some cultures, head rubbing is a common form of self-soothing and relaxation. For example, in many Asian cultures, head rubbing is seen as a way to release tension and promote relaxation. Dementia patients from these cultures may be more likely to engage in head-rubbing behavior as a coping mechanism for their anxiety and agitation.

Conversely, in some Western cultures, head rubbing may be interpreted as a sign of cognitive decline or illness. This perception may lead to negative social and cultural connotations associated with head-rubbing behavior in dementia patients. This can result in stigmatization of the behavior and reluctance to seek treatment or support.

In addition, cultural and societal factors can also influence the willingness of caregivers to report and seek help for head-rubbing behavior in dementia patients. In some cultures, there may be a tendency to keep family health issues private and avoid seeking outside help. This can lead to underreporting of head rubbing behavior and a lack of support for both the patient and the caregiver.

Furthermore, differences in healthcare systems and approaches to dementia care across cultures can impact the management and treatment of head-rubbing behavior. For example, some cultures may place a greater emphasis on pharmacological interventions for dementia-related behaviors, while others may prioritize non-pharmacological interventions.

Final word

Dementia patients may rub their heads due to various reasons such as anxiety, pain, or a way to stimulate their senses. Understanding and addressing this behavior can enhance their quality of life. 

Have you ever encountered this behavior in a loved one with dementia? What measures did you take to help them feel comfortable? Let’s share our experiences and insights in the comments below.