Home » today » Health » The Eating Habit That Reveals Early Signs of Alzheimer’s Disease

The Eating Habit That Reveals Early Signs of Alzheimer’s Disease




An Early Sign of Alzheimer’s Disease: Changes in Dietary Preferences

The Eating Habit That’s An Early Sign of Alzheimer’s Disease

When it comes to symptoms associated with Alzheimer’s disease, the big one that most people are aware of is experiencing memory problems that interfere with daily living. While it’s true that this is certainly a hallmark symptom of Alzheimer’s, it’s not the only one to be aware of.

One of the earliest signs of Alzheimer’s has more to do with one’s eating habits than it does being forgetful. Here, a neurologist explains what it is and other ways that Alzheimer’s disease can impact one’s diet.

Change in Dietary Preferences

According to a neurologist at New Jersey Brain & Spine, one early sign of Alzheimer’s disease that many people aren’t aware of is a change in dietary preferences. “A vegetarian may start eating steak simply because they forgot they had a certain dietary habit, or may start incorporating more salt and spice because their taste buds are diminished,” she says, giving a couple of examples of what this can look like.

The timing of this symptom can vary. It can emerge at any time during one’s experience with Alzheimer’s. For some individuals, it may be one of the earliest signs, while for others it may not manifest until later, if at all.

Factors Contributing to Dietary Changes

There are a couple of reasons why someone with Alzheimer’s may experience a change in dietary preferences. One reason is a diminished or heightened taste experience. Scientific research shows that many individuals diagnosed with Alzheimer’s have trouble detecting umami, one of the basic five tastes associated with savory foods. Other research suggests that many people with dementia experience a decline in both smell and taste, favoring foods with strong flavors.

Another reason for a change in eating habits is forgetfulness of certain dietary restrictions or lifelong habits. Someone who is lactose intolerant, for example, may forget the effect of eating dairy, or they may simply forget they don’t like the taste of certain foods.

Other Ways Alzheimer’s Disease Can Impact Mealtime

Alzheimer’s disease can impact mealtime in various ways. Coordination difficulties may make cutting food challenging, or individuals may even forget how to properly use eating utensils. In some cases, people with Alzheimer’s may simply forget to eat.

These symptoms can have serious health implications. It is important for both individuals with Alzheimer’s and their loved ones to recognize the need for help. While maintaining independence is valuable, assistance should be sought for basic activities of daily living when they start to become challenging. Family, friends, or a hired home health aide can provide essential support.

If you are a caregiver for someone with Alzheimer’s disease, creating a system that optimizes their quality of life is essential. Sharing caregiving responsibilities and seeking external resources can make a significant difference. It can be helpful to join support groups, both online and in-person, to share tips, gain emotional support, and learn from others who have loved ones with Alzheimer’s.

Eating is not only necessary for the body’s nutritional needs, but also contributes to overall enjoyment of life. If you have a loved one with Alzheimer’s who is experiencing changes in dietary preferences, it is important to continue finding foods that are both healthy and enjoyable. Preparing meals together is a meaningful way to show your love and support.

Sources

  • Link to relevant source
  • Link to relevant source

Next article: The Connection Between Hearing Loss and Alzheimer’s


Leave a Comment

This site uses Akismet to reduce spam. Learn how your comment data is processed.