As many go back to their childhood when they have this condition, could it be that they used to sleep like this as child?

My Dad keeps each hand on the respective thigh, but even when he's asleep, he is clenching and unclenching his fists. He always likes a blanket on himself so it may look strange to people who don't know him. I had one caretaker tell me he was constantly masturbating and I should look into it. I had to laugh. I think sex is the last thing on his mind these days and having seen him do this without a blanket, I knew how silly it sounded. But I have to admit, when you see the movement under the blanket, it does make you wonder.

No Kathleen up to now she hasn't done it like that at the moment and she has Dementia now for Twelve years but any Changes I Will let you know Frankie

My Mom does it when she is awake. She does it because she fears her fingers may fall off and sometimes she tells us she is scared to open her hands. So we reassure her its her fingers or its okay to open her hands. We do open her hands for her and try to put a small stress ball for her to squeeze or massage her hands.

Jackie often holds one forearm with her other (obviously) hand when she’s pottering about. No fisticuffs yet. 😉