My SIL with Alzheimer's for many years has now taken to picking at her teeth, in the past it was pulling on the side of her wig.
As a result of her latest activities, her gums are quite swollen and inflamed.
Has anyone else had this problem and what can be done to stop it, if anything?
Thanks.
if you can get her to a dentist, she may have a sore spot in her mouth and thinks she needs to “get it out”. The wig may be itching her. Is it cleaned regularly? Is her own hair/scalp washed regularly? Maybe instead of a wig, she could wear a soft headscarf.
You might also try to see if she will use a fidget board or quilt. It's like a piece of fabric with little pieces of things attached that invite the dementia patient to touch and fidget with. It keeps their hands busy. You can find them online at stores for dementia patients.