These changes in appetite could be an early sign of dementia

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Dementia does not always begin with memory loss. For some people, changes in appetite and eating habits may be among the earliest warning signs.

When most people think of dementia, they think of memory problems.

However, the condition can also affect a person's behavior and personality, according to the Alzheimer's Society, as cited by LADBible.

This is particularly true of frontotemporal dementia, the most common form of dementia among people under the age of 65.

The disease affects areas of the brain responsible for emotions, behavior, and decision-making, among other functions.

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Family often notices it first

According to the Alzheimer's Society, people with the condition are often unaware that anything has changed.

As a result, family members or close friends are usually the first to notice the symptoms.

The disease can make it more difficult to concentrate, plan ahead, or behave as they normally would.

Some people lose interest in their hobbies, while others begin repeating the same actions over and over.

Also read: Young children's diet may influence brain development

Three types of food stand out

Eating habits may also change.

According to the Alzheimer's Society, people with frontotemporal dementia may develop unusually strong cravings for sugary foods, fatty foods, and carbohydrates.

The organization also notes that some people lose the ability to stop eating, drinking alcohol, or smoking. They may also display changes in their table manners.

These changes can appear early in the course of the disease, long before obvious memory problems develop.

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For that reason, it may be worth paying attention if several of these signs appear over time.

Also read: Common stroke may be caused by something doctors overlooked

This article is made and published by Ida-Marie Palm Varbæk, who may have used AI in the preparation.

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