People with Alzheimer’s disease may scratch or pick at their skin for several reasons, including cognitive changes and underlying skin conditions.

Alzheimer’s disease is a type of dementia that’s marked by increasing memory loss and cognitive decline.

For some, these changes may result in scratching or skin picking. For others, this behavior may result from natural skin changes caused by age or underlying conditions.

Here’s a closer look at what might cause someone with Alzheimer’s disease to scratch or pick their skin, as well as tips for supporting your loved one.

In some cases, increased itching may have more to do with age than Alzheimer’s disease. As you age, your skin becomes thinner and drier, making it more prone to itchiness. Other factors, like dry air, not drinking enough water, and taking certain medications, can also contribute to dryness.

Self-injury

A 2022 studyTrusted Source suggests a linkTrusted Source between dementia and self-injury, which can include scratching and picking.

The exact relationship between the two is unclear, but the study authors note that self-injury was more common in men and those with pre-existing mental health conditions. They also note that men with a history of self-injury have a higher risk of developing dementia.

Psychogenic itch

Psychogenic itch refers to an intense urge to scratch or pick at your ski, without the presence of a skin condition. It is commonly linked to psychiatric conditions like depression, anxiety, and obsessive-compulsive disorder (OCD).

However, psychogenic itch may also be a symptom of neurodegenerative disorders, such as Alzheimer’s.

Psoriasis

Psoriasis is a skin condition that causes itchy, painful plaques. These plaques appear raised and may be red to silver in color, depending on your skin tone.

People with Alzheimer’s may be more likely to develop psoriasis. Because they are both inflammatory conditions, they may share underlying mechanisms.

Similarly, research suggestsTrusted Source that older adults with psoriasis also have an increased risk of developing Alzheimer’s.

More research is needed to understand the prevalence of scratching in people with Alzheimer’s.

However, a smaller 2020 study suggests that as many as 53% of older people with dementia may regularly scratch.

Dry skin and itching are relatively commonTrusted Source in older adults. Because of this, scratching or picking may not always be a sign of Alzheimer’s.

But if increased skin scratching and picking occurs together with cognitive symptoms, it may be a sign of Alzheimer’s.

Cognitive signs of Alzheimer’s can includeTrusted Source:

  • memory problems that begin to interfere with daily activities
  • difficulty recognizing friends and loved ones
  • difficulty finding words when communicating
  • repeating questions
  • visual and spatial difficulties
  • wandering or getting lost
  • personality or behavioral changes
  • delusions, hallucinations, and paranoia

Is scratching a sign that Alzheimer’s is getting worse?

Increased skin dryness and itchiness is common in older adults, which may lead to scratching.

But a constant need to scratch or pick could suggest worsening Alzheimer’s symptoms, such as behavioral changes or issues with self-care.

In addition to skin scratching, it’s important to pay attention to signs of cognitive change in people with Alzheimer’s.

Skin picking and scratching can be frustrating and worrisome. Still, it’s important to resist the urge to tell someone just to “stop.” Not only is this ineffective, but it can also cause stress that may further increase their urge to scratch.

Instead, the following strategies may help a loved one feel relief from dry, itchy skin throughout the day:

  • taking fewer baths or showers and limiting bathing time to 10 minutes
  • using lukewarm instead of hot water for bathing
  • using mild, unscented soaps that are less irritating to the skin
  • adding colloidal oatmeal to baths, (this can also make the bath tub slippery)
  • dressing in loose, cotton-based clothing
  • installing a portable humidifier in the bedroom to keep the air from becoming dry
  • applying cold compresses to itchy skin for 5 to 10 minutes at a time
  • applying calamine lotion to itchy areas of the skin
  • keeping nails short to reduce the chance of skin injury from scratching

Distraction may also help a loved one overcome the urge to scratch. Try engaging them in a hands-on activity they find enjoyable.

Bleeding from skin scratching can increaseTrusted Source the risk of infection. Contact a healthcare professional if you notice possible signs of skin infection, such as oozing from the wound, discoloration, or swelling.

Support for caregivers

When caring for someone with Alzheimer’s, it’s important to get support for yourself, too.

Alzheimer’s disease can cause cognitive, behavioral, and physiological changes that may lead to increased itchiness and scratching.

While the prevalence of skin scratching and picking in Alzheimer’s isn’t known, research suggests it may be common.

Contact a doctor or dermatologist if someone has persistent itching or recurring skin infections from scratching.