April 18, 2025 by
If you’re caring for a loved one with dementia, you may have noticed some puzzling behaviors. Maybe they try to eat a napkin, put small objects in their mouth, or reach for things that aren’t food at all. This alarming and confusing behavior, known as pica, is more common in people with dementia than you might think.
Pica is the urge to eat non-food items like paper, dirt, soap, or fabric. While it’s often associated with childhood development or nutritional deficiencies, it can also appear in older adults with cognitive impairments. Understanding why it happens and how to respond can help keep your family member safe and reduce your worry.
Why Does Pica Happen in Dementia?
Dementia affects the brain in ways that can lead to unusual eating behaviors. Pica may stem from:
- Cognitive Decline: As dementia progresses, a person may lose the ability to distinguish between food and non-food objects.
- Sensory Changes: Some older adults crave different textures in their mouths or have an increased need for oral stimulation.
- Nutritional Deficiencies: A lack of essential vitamins or minerals, like iron or zinc, may trigger cravings for non-food items.
- Hunger or Thirst: If a person isn’t eating or drinking enough, they may try to consume whatever is nearby.
- Medication Side Effects: Some medications can alter taste perception or increase appetite, leading to unusual cravings.
- Emotional Distress: Anxiety, boredom, or frustration can sometimes cause people with dementia to engage in repetitive or unusual behaviors, including pica.
How to Respond When a Loved One Tries to Eat Non-Food Items
Discovering a loved one attempting to eat something inedible can be stressful, but how you react can make a big difference. Here are some ways to manage pica safely and compassionately:
Stay Calm and Never Scold. It’s natural to feel concerned or even frustrated, but responding with anger or correction may only cause distress. Instead, gently remove the object and redirect their focus to something else.
Ensure They Are Eating Enough. Hunger is a common trigger for pica, so make sure the person is getting regular, nutritious meals and snacks. Offering foods with different textures, like crunchy fruits or chewy bread, may satisfy the sensory cravings that lead to pica.
Keep Non-Food Items Out of Reach. If the person frequently reaches for specific objects, try to remove them from their environment. Keep items like paper, coins, and small household objects stored safely away.
Offer Safe Alternatives. Providing safe items to chew or suck on, such as sugar-free gum, a soft, chewy snack, or even a safe teething toy, can help meet the oral stimulation needs behind pica.
Check for Nutritional Deficiencies. If pica is a new behavior, talk to a doctor about possible vitamin or mineral deficiencies. A blood test may reveal a need for dietary adjustments or supplements.
Engage Them in Activities. Boredom and anxiety can sometimes lead to pica. Keeping the person engaged in activities like folding laundry, gardening, or listening to music can help distract from the urge to eat non-food items.
Let Us Help
Caring for a loved one with dementia comes with unique challenges, and pica can add another layer of concern. With At Home Independent Living, we understand how to effectively manage pica and other effects of dementia. Our dementia care team serves Syracuse, Clay, Salina, and throughout Central New York, and we’re available anytime to help your family member. Call us at (315) 579-HOME (4663) for support.