What should you know about nose picking and dementia?

Dry air, crusting, allergies, irritation, or a long-standing habit can all lead to nose picking. Some people with dementia repeat actions, forget social boundaries, or have difficulty recognising that the skin is sore. The behaviour is more meaningful when it appears with changes in memory, communication, judgement, mood, or daily activities. Dementia can present with memory problems, but memory changes have many other causes too. A clinician will consider medicines, sleep, mood, hearing, infection, and other health problems rather than judging from one habit.

Check for dryness, bleeding, scabs, pain, or a blocked nose. Keep fingernails short, offer tissues, and use a humidifier or a clinician-recommended nasal moisturiser if dryness is suspected. Calm redirection is usually more helpful than criticism, especially if the person is confused. Note when the picking occurs and whether it follows boredom, anxiety, or nasal discomfort. Arrange a GP Consultation if the change is new, persistent, injures the nose, or occurs with changes in memory or independence.

Seek urgent medical help for bleeding that does not settle with gentle pressure, severe swelling, breathing difficulty, a serious nose injury, sudden confusion, new weakness, or trouble speaking. Book a routine assessment for gradually worsening forgetfulness, repeated questions, getting lost, personality change, or difficulty managing familiar tasks. A GP can examine the nose and arrange a broader assessment when needed.

Could nasal dryness, allergies, or a medicine be causing the irritation? What changes would make a memory assessment useful? How can we protect the skin without increasing distress?