What non‑pharmacologic interventions are recommended for an older adult with dementia who repeatedly hides or misplaces objects due to memory loss and executive dysfunction?

Non-Pharmacological Interventions for Object Hiding/Misplacing in Dementia

For older adults with dementia who repeatedly hide or misplace objects, implement environmental modifications and structured routines as first-line interventions, combined with caregiver education strategies, as non-pharmacological approaches represent the strongest evidence-based management for behavioral symptoms in dementia. 1

Understanding the Behavior Pattern

Misplacing objects occurs in 74-96% of people with dementia and manifests differently across disease stages. 2, 3

• In mild to moderate dementia, misplacing typically reflects inability to recall where items were placed (81% of cases), rather than deliberately hiding objects 3
• As dementia progresses to severe stages, the behavior shifts toward placing objects in odd or unusual locations (56% of cases), which significantly increases with disease severity 2
• Only 15-18% of patients deliberately hide items, often accompanied by delusions that others are stealing their belongings 3
• Patients are commonly aware of their misplacing behavior (58%) and experience distress from it 3

Primary Non-Pharmacological Interventions

Environmental Modifications

Create a simplified, organized living space with designated locations for frequently misplaced items. 1, 4

• Establish specific, consistent locations for essential items (keys, wallet, glasses, phone) with visual cues or labels 1
• Use transparent containers or open storage so items remain visible rather than hidden away 1
• Reduce clutter and minimize the number of storage locations to decrease confusion 1, 4
• Install motion-sensor lights in areas where items are commonly placed to improve visibility 1
• Consider tracking devices (Tile, AirTag) attached to frequently lost items for practical retrieval 4

Structured Routines and Activities

Implement tailored, structured activities that align with the patient's current cognitive capabilities and previous interests. 1, 4

• Establish consistent daily routines for placing and retrieving commonly used items 1
• Use activity-based interventions (Montessori activities for older adults) that can increase positive affect and reduce agitation associated with misplacing 1
• Engage patients in cognitively stimulating activities including reading, hobbies, and social interaction, which address underlying attention and memory deficits 1, 4
• Provide physical exercise programs (aerobic and resistance training) as these represent the strongest evidence-based intervention for cognitive symptoms, with superior efficacy compared to pharmacological options 4

Behavioral Management Strategies

Apply the antecedent-behavior-consequences (ABC) charting approach to identify triggers and patterns. 1

• Document when, where, and under what circumstances misplacing occurs to identify modifiable triggers 1
• Investigate and treat underlying causes such as pain, urinary tract infections, or medication side effects that may worsen confusion 1
• Address sensory impairments (vision, hearing) that are frequently underdiagnosed but significantly impact cognitive function 4
• Avoid confrontation when items are misplaced; instead, calmly assist with searching and redirect to the established storage location 1

Caregiver Education and Support

Provide early educational interventions for caregivers, even in mild cognitive impairment, as caregiver burden significantly impacts patient outcomes. 4, 1

• Educate caregivers that misplacing reflects memory and executive dysfunction, not intentional behavior 2, 3
• Train caregivers to maintain duplicates of frequently lost items (spare keys, extra glasses) 1
• Teach caregivers to avoid accusatory language and instead use supportive problem-solving approaches 1
• Connect caregivers with support groups and respite services to address caregiver morbidity and delay institutionalization 1
• Discuss findings with both patients and caregivers to facilitate care planning and decision-making 4

Medication Review

Minimize exposure to medications with anticholinergic properties, which worsen cognitive symptoms including memory and attention deficits underlying misplacing behavior. 4

• Review all medications and substitute alternatives for drugs treating depression, neuropathic pain, and urinary incontinence that have anticholinergic effects 4
• Reduce polypharmacy to decrease adverse drug events that may exacerbate confusion 4
• Simplify medication regimens to reduce complexity that contributes to misplacing medications themselves 4

Associated Symptom Management

Address co-occurring symptoms that strongly correlate with misplacing behavior. 2, 5

• Target attention and concentration deficits through cognitive training programs when accessible 1, 4
• Manage lack of interest/initiative (apathy) through structured, engaging activities 2, 5
• Address difficulties with gadgets/appliances through simplified technology or assistive devices 2, 5
• Treat verbal repetition (repetitive questioning about lost items) using similar behavioral strategies 5

Critical Pitfalls to Avoid

• Do not rely on pharmacological approaches first, as cholinesterase inhibitors show only 1-3 point improvements on cognitive scales, below the 4-point threshold considered clinically significant, and are not indicated for behavioral symptoms 4
• Do not dismiss patient distress about misplacing as trivial; this symptom significantly impacts quality of life and is a valid therapeutic target 2, 3
• Do not assume deliberate hiding when the behavior more commonly reflects simple memory failure, especially in mild-moderate stages 3
• Do not overlook safety risks associated with misplacing important items like medications, which requires assessment and monitoring 1