Early Sign of Dementia: A Craving for Sweets During Meals Could Be a Warning Signal
Introduction
A surprising early sign of frontotemporal dementia might show up at your dinner table: a sudden shift toward eating only sweets and carbs. Experts caution that this change in behavior should not be dismissed as simple excess—it could be linked to changes in brain function affecting taste perception.
As cases of dementia worldwide increase, recognizing these subtle early signs could be key to prevention or early intervention.
The Link Between Taste and Cognitive Decline
Frontotemporal dementia, which affects the frontal and temporal lobes of the brain, can cause:
- Loss of Sensitivity to Taste : Neurologists attribute the urge to eat sweet or starchy foods to an altered brain message, which diminishes the ability to perceive flavors.
- Disruptions Cognitives : “The rhythm of sending messages from the brain to the body changes, impacting the perception of taste and even thirst,” explains nutritionist Joice Abreu.
Other Warning Signs of Frontotemporal Dementia
In addition to dietary changes, watch for these warning signs:
- Social Changes: Inappropriate behavior, lack of empathy and insensitivity to the feelings of others.
- Neglect of Hygiene: A notable decline in self-care habits.
- Communication Problems: Errors in sentence construction or word usage.
- Emotional Instability: Laughing or crying uncontrollably.
Dementia: A Worrying Global Problem
Dementia, an umbrella term for cognitive impairment, affects 47.5 million people worldwide, with numbers projected to reach:
- 75.6 million by 2030
- 135.5 million by 2050
Although most forms of dementia have no cure, research shows that up to 40% of cases can be prevented or delayed through lifestyle changes.
Conclusion
Don’t overlook unusual eating habits: they could be an early sign of frontotemporal dementia. Early detection can make a difference in managing this condition and improving quality of life.
What steps are you taking to protect your cognitive health? Share your thoughts below.
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