Now there is a new behavior that I can find no explanation for. Miklos almost never closes a cabinet door or drawer. Is it that he’s afraid he won’t remember what’s inside? Is it just that he doesn’t remember that it is both polite and safe to close doors so that others don’t bump their heads? I wonder whether this is a typical development with dementia, or something specific to Miklos.

He has always thought that the best way to find things was to keep them all out, which has made for messy desks, dresser tops, and counters at our house for many years. I have never quite persuaded him that they best way to find things was to have a specific place for them (out of sight) and always return them to their specific place. Everything should have a home. While leaving the doors open is curious behavior, it isn’t difficult to deal with. I am an excellent cabinet closer.

And like my treasure hunts for clothes and dishes that he has put away somewhere, the open doors do have an element of humor. I need to laugh at myself and at the situation.