invisible fiddling

M5M · July 30

DH has a new symptom. He is constantly trying to unravel, or remove, or pick off….some unseen thing that is obviously real to him. He says, "I'm just trying to get this apart" or, "Well, I can't find the end of it…". He is not distressed, just constantly busy. Sort of like a knitter unraveling their mistaken work..

I think its harmless, but wondered if anyone has experience with this. Overall, he is moving into Stage 6. Maybe he is truly there already.

Kat63 · July 31

My DH doesn’t do that exact thing, but often he will work at picking something up and taking it out of his hand (of course nothing is really in his hand). Sometimes I play along and will put my hand over his and act as if I took whatever he is holding. He also picks at the folds in his pants or shorts he is wearing. He is definitely in Stage 6 with a toe in 7 and has been on Hospice for a year.

Vitruvius · July 31

At about late Stage 6 my DW began “misunderstanding” what she was seeing. Seeing things that were far away and thinking they were within reach and trying to grasp them. She also began trying to pick up things like the printed flowers on a tablecloth, or objects in photographs, books or magazines as if they were 3 dimensional objects. Now my DW, in very late Stage 7f, has kept her eyes closed for months and I think it’s because she can no longer decipher what she sees.

M5M · July 31

Vitruvius, DH absolutely does the same things….he has macular degeneration so I have assumed the spatial issues were from contorted vision. This new activity is bizarre.

Kat, yes, it sounds similar. ….another piece of his brain has disappeared.

SDianeL · July 31

Yes, it common. Found this online: “Dementia can cause a person to pick at things, often as a result of changes in sensation, anxiety, or boredom. This behavior can manifest as picking at skin, clothes, or even imaginary objects, and can be a source of frustration for both the individual and their caregivers. Understanding the potential causes and implementing appropriate strategies can help manage this behavior.” If it’s not distressing him I wouldn’t worry. There are fidget devices for dementia patients that might help.

SDianeL · July 31

check on Etsy for dementia items.

tonyac2 · July 31

My DH hands me imaginary items all day long. I pretend to take them and he’s fine. He takes his fork and tries to stab at pictures and eat them. One annoying thing is he put as many things as possible into his drink. Puzzle pieces, crayons, popcorn, Kleenex, on and on. Wish I could figure that one out.

frankay · July 31

There is a condition called "terminal restlesness" that the hospice folks are familiar with and usually occurs at late stages.

invisible fiddling

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