Bizarre changes in eating habits, such as a lifelong vegetarian suddenly developing a craving for meat, could be an easily overlooked sign of dementia, warns Dr Kellyn Lee, an expert in dementia from the University of Southampton. Speaking during a widely shared TikTok video, which garnered nearly 30,000 views, Dr Lee noted that these abrupt dietary shifts often come as a shock to friends and family who are accustomed to a person’s established food preferences.
As Dr Lee explained, our identities are intricately linked to our food choices. “When we think about food, quite often we have known that person for a long time,” she said. “We know what they eat; we know what they like and what they don’t like. But when the brain isn’t working as it used to… tastes change.” This alteration in taste can manifest in numerous ways, from an aversion to previously loved meals to a desire for unfamiliar foods.
The potential significance of these changes is underscored by the Alzheimer’s Society, which suggests that sudden cravings for sweet or fatty foods may indicate a specific form of dementia known as frontotemporal dementia (FTD). This condition primarily affects behaviour and personality, rather than memory, and accounts for approximately 12% of early-onset dementia cases, defined as those diagnosed before the age of 65. FTD, while constituting only 2% of overall dementia cases in the UK, is associated with notably distinct food-related behaviours, including increased appetite and binge eating.
The impact of these changes on families can be profound. Individuals with dementia may not only develop new cravings but may also forget dietary restrictions entirely. For instance, someone who has adhered strictly to vegetarianism for decades may suddenly consume meat without hesitation. Real experiences shared by users commenting on Dr Lee’s video reflect the emotional challenges that accompany these shifts. One user mentioned their mother, a lifelong vegetarian, now consuming all types of food after being diagnosed with FTD. Another noted their husband’s complaints about food causing a burning sensation on his tongue, which has complicated their meal planning.
Compounding these dietary challenges is the tendency among dementia patients to forget when they last ate, leading them to request food soon after finishing a meal. Dr Lee advised caregivers that distraction techniques could be beneficial in these situations. Instead of reinforcing the last meal's timing, engaging the individual in another activity, such as listening to music or participating in conversation, may help alleviate anxiety and prevent escalation into distress.
Statistically, dementia afflicts nearly a million people in the UK and around seven million in the US. Projections by University College London scientists indicate that this figure could rise to 1.7 million within two decades, exacerbated by an ageing population. The financial toll associated with dementia care is staggering, with a recent analysis estimating the annual cost in the UK at £42 billion, which could soar to £90 billion in the next 15 years.
While dementia can stem from a range of health issues, Alzheimer’s disease remains the most prevalent cause. Early symptoms typically include memory loss and difficulties with thinking and reasoning, which worsen over time. In 2022 alone, dementia was identified as the leading cause of death in the UK, claiming over 74,000 lives.
Awareness of how dementia alters eating habits is crucial for effective care and support. Families and caregivers are encouraged to monitor dietary changes closely and consult healthcare professionals when significant alterations occur. Engaging individuals with familiar foods, maintaining a structured routine, and fostering social mealtime environments may also enhance the eating experience for those affected.
As the understanding of dementia evolves, recognising the subtle yet revealing signs among dietary preferences may enable earlier diagnosis and interventions, ultimately improving the quality of life for both patients and their families.
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Source: Noah Wire Services