Hoarding and Dementia: What Families in Davie Should Know

Do you find yourself forming emotional connections to your things? Do you forget if you already have something and find duplicates around your home? If so, you may be struggling with hoarding and dementia.

You're certainly not alone. According to the National Institute of Health, millions of adults in the U.S. live with dementia.

So, what exactly causes hoarding, what are the symptoms, and how can you combat it? If you're a senior in Davie, FL, this article explains everything you need to know.

What Causes Hoarding?

Hoarding is a mental illness involving the obsessive accumulation of items. These items have no universal size, value, or level of importance.

There's also no single cause of hoarding. Those who suffer from the condition can have one or several of the following circumstances that may lead to hoarding behaviors:

Childhood Trauma

Many hoarders suffered adverse events in their childhood. Catastrophic events such as the Great Depression and World War II caused:

• Widespread poverty
• Food insecurity
• Rationing
• Repurposing and recycling of everyday items

If you dealt with extreme poverty as a child, you may have a harder time letting go of basic objects. Hanging on to expired food can signal trauma from not knowing where you would get your next meal.

Family History of Hoarding

There isn't a definitive genetic link established for families with a history of hoarding. However, according to PsychCentral, ongoing research suggests that chromosome 14 may have a link to families who suffer from obsessive-compulsive disorder (OCD). OCD is often comorbid with hoarding.

Nature versus nurture also comes into play when considering dementia behaviors and hoarding. For instance, if you lived with a close relative who hoarded, you may instinctively pick up those habits.

Consider your immediate family and ask yourself if they have any odd behaviors related to hoarding. You may be able to diagnose where the problem came from, and if it could be genetically linked or simply a product of your childhood environment.

Coping Mechanism

Life can feel overwhelming if you struggle with anxiety or depression. A dementia diagnosis sometimes exacerbates those symptoms.

Holding onto objects often creates a false sense of security. Often, when younger people are helping parents with hoarding, they notice objects from their childhood or other important events in the senior's life.

You may have items linked to particularly traumatic periods in your life. Or, if you've experienced adverse circumstances, possessions that hold better memories can become even more important.

Mental Illness

There is a strong link between hoarding and neurodiversity; in particular, OCD seems to be a common culprit influencing hoarding behaviors.

People who suffer from OCD may have a compulsion to collect objects. In their minds, throwing those items away can lead to something bad occurring, even if the connection is illogical.

Cognitive Issues

Cognitive decline, whether general or related to conditions such as dementia, can trigger or exacerbate existing hoarding habits.

For instance, you may find yourself accumulating multiples of certain items if you have short-term memory loss. It's easy to forget if you have already bought something, especially if it is out of sight.

Additionally, diseases like dementia can lead to confusion, which heightens anxiety. Hoarding creates a deceptive sense of security when surrounded by belongings.

Life Events or Lifestyle Changes

Big life events can cause people to hold onto familiar things. Grief and loss often play a pivotal role.

For example, if your spouse passes away, you may have an abnormally difficult time discarding his or her possessions. You may also collect items that remind you of them and the happy memories you enjoyed together.

Symptoms of Hoarding

Sometimes it can be difficult to tell the difference between holding onto valuable possessions and hoarding. Here are a few key symptoms to look out for:

Difficulty Discarding Items

Do you hesitate to throw out old items that no longer serve a purpose? Do you keep things with the thought that you may need them later?

Evaluate your response when you try to throw something away that could be useful. If you experience intense anxiety or stress, this could be connected to hoarding.

Excessive Collecting

Collecting meaningful items is normal behavior. You may have a special interest or a collection of rare items that brings you pride. When does collecting become obsessive?

Look around and see if your collection is properly displayed and taken care of. Hoarders often run out of room and stash collectibles in piles, hoping to organize them later.

Isolation From Friends and Family

Are you turning down invitations to birthday parties and family gatherings? Have you distanced yourself from friends in your senior living community?

People who hoard often want to be alone. When they are embarrassed by their situation, they may avoid visitors. Lack of access to hygiene due to accumulated items can prevent them from attending social events.

Shopping Addiction

Does the thought of adding to your collections bring you joy? Do you experience a rush of adrenaline when you make a purchase?

Hoarders often shop at thrift stores, sales, or even dumpster dive to find items that they might need later. Reflect on your shopping habits and the emotions tied to purchasing new items.

The Connection Between Hoarding and Dementia

Families of those who suffer from hoarding and dementia may have memory care concerns. Extreme hoarding can lead to falls and injuries, with the inability to call for help.

Memory care, such a Oakmonte Village of Davie, may be a good option if you suffer from dementia causing hoarding behaviors.

If you're worried that you may have dementia, consult your doctor. Or, if you have already received a diagnosis, discuss your hoarding and see if there is medication available to help.

Many hoarders also benefit from therapy. Cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT) can help hoarders change their thought processes around hoarding and combat negative thoughts and emotions.

Consider Caregiver Support in Davie

If you struggle with hoarding and dementia, it's important to remember that you're not alone. Resources are available in Davie, FL, to combat these harmful behaviors and enhance your senior mental health.

For premier memory care, consider Oakmonte Village of Davie. Our safe, secure community provides seniors with independence and lifestyle activities to improve the quality of their golden years.

Are you thinking about a fresh start? Reach out to us today to learn more, visit us in person, or take a virtual tour on our website. We can't wait to connect with you!