Yes, picking at skin is a common OCD type affliction known to occur with Alzheimer's/dementia patients. Ask your husband's doctor if a mild calming medication can be prescribed to perhaps help him a bit, which is not likely, but could help. You can keep his fingernails very short and clean, which helps also, or consider putting mitts on his hands which you can find at Amazon; search for "Alzheimers mitts". The trouble with them is his willingness to keep them on his hands. My aunt picked her scalp bald in two areas for picking herself; nothing was effective in preventing her from doing it, due to Alzheimer's and anxiety. You can also look into getting your husband a fidget blanket which is something intended to keep his hands busy and away from his skin:
If he's picking at the skin on his arms, for instance, dress him in long sleeves.
In your profile, you say you don't like cooking b/c your husband is 'so picky' with what he eats. This is also due to dementia/Alzheimer's. They generally only like foods that taste sweet, so focus on things like yoghurt, pudding, fruits cut up into small bites, sweet potatoes, etc. You don't have to cook elaborate or traditional meals like we did in the old days; finger foods in small portions and offered throughout the day is a better idea. Offer milkshakes with protein powder added in; those are usually happily accepted. Put a dollop of whipped cream on top and even a cherry. Or small peanut butter & jelly finger sandwiches with the crusts cut off. Think to yourself, what would delight my grandchild, and go from there. Tastes and textures change when dementia sets in.........he may have decided certain textures he no longer likes. See if you can hone in on which ones he dislikes and avoid them. If you have an Instant Pot, it makes great rice pudding in 15 minutes, which is good to have on hand. You can add raisins into it as well and DH may love something like that.
I suggest you read this 33 page booklet (which is a free download) which has THE best information ever about managing dementia and what to expect with an elder who's been diagnosed with it.
Understanding the Dementia Experience, by Jennifer Ghent-Fuller
https://www.smashwords.com/books/view/210580
Jennifer is a nurse who worked for many years as an educator and counsellor for people with dementia and their families, as well as others in caring roles. She addresses the emotional and grief issues in the contexts in which they arise for families living with dementia.
https://www.amazon.com/s?k=alzheimers+fidget+blanket+for+adults&i=hpc&crid=KCGY4P3QNBKL&sprefix=alzheimers+fidget+blanke%2Chpc%2C112&ref=nb_sb_ss_fb_2_24_retrain-deeppltr
If he's picking at the skin on his arms, for instance, dress him in long sleeves.
In your profile, you say you don't like cooking b/c your husband is 'so picky' with what he eats. This is also due to dementia/Alzheimer's. They generally only like foods that taste sweet, so focus on things like yoghurt, pudding, fruits cut up into small bites, sweet potatoes, etc. You don't have to cook elaborate or traditional meals like we did in the old days; finger foods in small portions and offered throughout the day is a better idea. Offer milkshakes with protein powder added in; those are usually happily accepted. Put a dollop of whipped cream on top and even a cherry. Or small peanut butter & jelly finger sandwiches with the crusts cut off. Think to yourself, what would delight my grandchild, and go from there. Tastes and textures change when dementia sets in.........he may have decided certain textures he no longer likes. See if you can hone in on which ones he dislikes and avoid them. If you have an Instant Pot, it makes great rice pudding in 15 minutes, which is good to have on hand. You can add raisins into it as well and DH may love something like that.
I suggest you read this 33 page booklet (which is a free download) which has THE best information ever about managing dementia and what to expect with an elder who's been diagnosed with it.
Understanding the Dementia Experience, by Jennifer Ghent-Fuller
https://www.smashwords.com/books/view/210580
Jennifer is a nurse who worked for many years as an educator and counsellor for people with dementia and their families, as well as others in caring roles. She addresses the emotional and grief issues in the contexts in which they arise for families living with dementia.
The full copy of her book is available here:
https://www.amazon.com/Thoughtful-Dementia-Care-Understanding-Experience/dp/B09WN439CC/ref=sr_1_2?crid=2E7WWE9X5UFXR&keywords=jennifer+ghent+fuller+books&qid=1657468364&sprefix=jennifer+ghent%2Caps%2C631&sr=8-2
Best of luck!