The answer to this is complex. The truth is that the dementia itself is not the main cause of appetite loss, but the changes that happen in the brain are the main reasons for many eating problems.
The brain is responsible for everything related to eating. It is the one that tells a person when to eat and when not to eat. The brain also controls how the person chews and swallows safely. Dementia modifies the brain, resulting in a considerable weakening of eating quality. Additionally, the worse the dementia becomes, the less food intake of people with it is. Read on to learn more in-depth.
The reason dementia causes loss of appetite
A study demonstrated that each kind of dementia has caused a decline in appetite. The fact is that eating problems get worse in parallel with the development of the disease. The reason behind it is as follows:
Brain changes make eating hard:
The functioning of the brain, i.e., areas that are in charge of eating, does not perform well. Families or caregivers of a person with dementia might be aware:
- Coughs when they try to eat
- Spits food out
- Makes strange movements with their tongue
- Refuses to swallow food
- Makes faces when eating
The patient does not do it on purpose. The brain, however, is not able to control eating as it used to.
Other reasons for loss of appetite in a dementia patient:
Low energy:
People with dementia usually report that they lack the energy they need to do everything they want. So, some activities, for example, eating, can tire them out. They might begin their meal, but in the middle, they may find it too tough and get frustrated. Hence, they might quit eating and quit the meal altogether.
Stomach issues:
Studies show that approximately 25 out of every 100 dementia patients have some issues with constipation. When their stomach feels full or discomfited, they do not demand more food.
Feeling melancholy:
Another study shows that depression is a severe issue in almost 40 out of every 100 people with dementia. An individual does not want to eat when he/she experiences intense sadness. They are so miserable that they lose the delight of food that was once their favorite, along with other activities.
Dealing with other health problems:
The health of people living with dementia is a cause of huge concern because they may also have other diseases (such as diabetes, high blood pressure, heart disease, sleep disorders, etc) that worsen the symptoms, which lead to loss of appetite.
Jaws pain:
Many people with dementia experience pain in their teeth, such as sore gums or the incorrect position of dentures, as before. Therefore, they typically avoid eating due to pain.
Changes in taste and smell:
The parts of the brain responsible for the taste and smell of food are the ones affected by dementia. In the case of tasteless food, it becomes less amusing for them as well.
Medicine side effects:
Some of the drugs can cause extreme changes to food cravings. However, newer drugs or proportion variations might diminish the appetite for food.
It is recommended not to discontinue the medication. Just talk to the professional in this case, and they could offer a recommendation.
Problems with communication:
An individual who suffers from dementia might be hungry but unable to express their needs. They may reject food because it is too hot, too cold, or it is not what they want. Their refusal might be the only way they can communicate their needs.
What happens when someone does not eat enough?
When people with dementia do not eat enough, their bodies suffer. They lose weight and muscle strength. Therefore, they always feel weak and/ or tired. Also, their immune system becomes less efficient, making them more prone to sickness.
Loss of body weight makes people weaker. They become more vulnerable to bruising and fall injury. This is a vicious cycle whereby not eating leads to more and more health problems. At the same time, the brain also needs to eat in order to be the sharpest it can be. Taking off consumption from the food and thinking one has dementia would be double trouble for them.
Warning signs families should watch for
Family members should look out for these signs that indicate appetite problems:
- Eating much less than usual
- Once having chewed food put out into the mouth
- Getting angry or upset at meal times
- Just very quickly dropping a lot of weight
- Never wanting to eat, not even at mealtimes
- Always searching for food or asking for snacks
- Just wanting to eat one thing
Simple ways families can help
There are numerous ways of assisting a dementia patient to feed properly. Sometimes small changes transform the situation completely.
- Make mealtimes calm and pleasant:
- Create a peaceful environment (e.g., turn off the television and other disturbing noises) for dining.
- Stay with the person and ensure they eat.
- Make the table attractive with the dishes they are used to and perhaps some flowers.
- Offer foods they used to love:
List the most cherished foods the person liked to eat before dementia. When possible, provide them with their best-loved foods. The familiar tastes are likely to renew their interest in eating again.
- Make food easy to eat:
- Slice the food into tiny bits.
- Provide finger foods that don’t need utensils to eat.
- Let the food be neither too hot nor too cold.
- Let them eat thickened liquid substances since they are much easier to swallow.
- Be patient and understanding:
It is important to remember that the problems of eating are a part of the disease. That person is not doing it on purpose. Stay calm and patient, even if the meal times are difficult.
- Getting professional help:
If the eating trouble continues, consult a mental health professional, such as a board-certified neuropsychiatrist or psychiatrist. Treatment helps them to address underlying issues (e.g., depression or other coexisting symptoms) that make them refuse to eat. Suppose, for example, the customized treatment plan of symptoms like depression and pain can help bring an improvement in appetite and the quality of life. They also perform other tests, such as nutritional tests, dysphagia, and swallowing evaluation, to address issues of appetite.
Also, loss of appetite and dementia treatment vary from person to person. One method might not suit another. However, the key issue remains being open to trying out a variety of others with love and patience for each.
Taking care of yourself, too
Seeing a loved one in trouble eating can be emotionally exhausting. In fact, families often feel guilty or ashamed because they do not have the power to make sure that their dear one is eating. Not to worry about this. It is okay and very acceptable for one to have these feelings. With telehealth, connecting with a psychiatrist online can provide timely mental health care without the need to travel. Board-certified psychiatrist and neuropsychiatrist at GABA Telepsychiatry follow APA guidelines and standards of care when treating people in an online setting.
So, if you or someone you know is experiencing mental problems, don’t delay seeking help from a mental health professional, whether it’s caregiver burnout or loss of appetite in a dementia patient. Remember that expert medical help can prevent further deterioration and provide clarity.
