Fidgety hands, shuffling feet and other nervous ticks
Dementia Diaries
Have you ever noticed your elderly loved ones engaging in some kinds of nervous ticks? So many of us find ourselves doing certain actions which serve no purpose except to ease some nervous tension we may be feeling within us. The actions are repeated again and again depending on the level of uneasiness we may be feeling. The problem with repetition is that it becomes a habit. That’s why we try to become aware and correct ourselves whenever we can. Sometimes, it’s not possible simply because our actions are actually a sign of something else. Alzheimers and dementia patients are ideal candidates for nervous ticks. The changes happening in the mind lead to the body responding a certain way to the changes.
In the silence of the home certain sounds have become acutely loud. Shuffling feet are a common nervous habit of dementia patients. Whether sitting on a sofa or lying in bed the shuffling of feet doesn’t stop. While in bed the shuffling doesn’t make noise but if the shoes worn by the elderly happen to be noisy then you might have to pull out the earplugs because the shuffling isn’t about to stop. Ideally, find some shoes whose soles don’t make noise. No matter how irritating the shuffling might be for those sitting nearby, be aware the person who is shuffling their feet aren’t even aware they are doing it. What is causing them to do it is the disruption in their mind. A great thing to have for shuffling feet is a weighted or heated blanket. Weight or heat applied on the feet eases tension and provides comfort.
Another nervous tick very common in Alzheimer’s and dementia patients is the rubbing of hands. Twisting fingers and wringing hands are also part of this action. Basically the nervous tension causes the person to keep their hands in constant motion. The best way to help in such a scenario is to keep those idle hands busy. Remember when the kids were young and you invested in a bunch of sensory toys? Well it’s time to do that all over again for your aging elders. Keeping their hands busy while stimulating their senses is a great way to distract their minds from the tension that is prevalent in the mind. Create a little fidget box filled with activities or gadgets that will keep the hands preoccupied. Shuffling a deck of cards, knitting or sewing repetitive stitches with oversized needles, rubbing hands or feet on a spiky massage ball, lacing up or stringing beads, organizing paperwork with paper clips or rubber bands, removing the knots from a loosely knotted rope, smoothing out crumpled paper, counting and calculating an assortment of coins and bills in a purse, separating and classifying basic objects by color or purpose, and the list of creative ideas can go on. The point is to keep the hands busy.
Pacing back and forth and a general restlessness are also common in such patients. A structured and timed exercise routine can provide gentle physiotherapy and can give enough exercise that would tire out the muscles without straining them. That healthy fatigue can help stray them away from nervous habits. Additionally the tactile objects with textured surfaces and items like stress balls can provide comfort and ease the tension that is causing the restlessness.
Finally the most common nervous tick that Alzheimer’s and dementia patients face are repetitive vocalizations. Repeating the same phrases again and again without being aware of it. Music has always been relaxing. Music can be therapeutic as well. Playing familiar songs can be so calming. Playing them on a smart TV with the lyrics can be engaging. Singing along to an old familiar tune is always so satisfying and nostalgic. It enables feel good moments and a recollection of great times. Perfect for memory stimulation.
Do you notice nervous ticks in the actions of your elders or even yourself? How do you deal with such situations? Share your thoughts in the comment section. Would love to hear from you and learn a thing or two from your solutions for everyday problems.
Just as we learned to work, we must learn to relax. It’s the answer to half our problems.