Reader’s Question

I am a 56-year-old married woman. I am also a grandmother. I love stuffed animals. I like to sleep with them, and I like to bring them in and out of the car with me. I also like to have them when I am watching TV. My husband does not seem to mind. I am concerned this could be a sign of a psychological problem or early dementia.

Our Clinical Psychologist’s Reply

There is a clinically significant difference between 1) loving stuffed animals and 2) a sudden change in your personality where you begin to love stuffed animals. Many healthy individuals have a lifelong affection and interest in objects, hobbies, and activities that began in childhood. Men often have model railroading, assembing models of planes/ships/autos, or collecting specific childhood toys. Women often continue their affection for dolls, stuffed animals, etc. If you have loved stuffed animals most of your life, this is not a psychological problem. In fact, you probably find the presence of your stuffed animals very calming, soothing, and anxiety reducing. They are portable security blankets…and they double as a pillow on long trips.

If you are 56 and have no history of collecting stuffed animals, then suddenly begin sleeping with stuffed animals and behaving in a way that is uncharacteristic of your normal personality — that might be a psychological issue. Sudden personality and behavioral changes are often found in dementia as well as a variety of other mental health issues. The fact that your husband doesn’t seem to mind this behavior tells me that he sees it as a harmless characteristic of your personality — not a significant psychiatric issue.

I would continue to enjoy your affection for stuffed animals. In a strange twist, if you suddenly lose your affection and interest in your stuffed animals — then seek medical consultation. A sudden loss of our normal interests and activities is often a sign of dementia, depression, and several other mental health issues. Otherwise…no problem here.