Craving sweet food could be little-known warning sign you should never ignore

24 August 2023 , 10:02

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There are many different symptoms of dementia (stock image) (Image: Getty Images/iStockphoto)

It's normal for our memories to become a bit more fuzzy as we get older - and they can also be affected by stress, illnesses or even certain medicines. But it's important to be aware of when symptoms might align with that of dementia, which is a syndrome associates with ongoing decline of brain functioning.

An estimated 850,000 people in the UK have dementia, and it's estimated that one in three people will care for a person with the condition in their lifetime. While there is currently no cure, it's important to be aware of the symptoms so a person can get help and support - or even medication that could help.

The most common symptoms associated with dementia are memory loss, problems with thinking speed, mental sharpness and quickness - or language difficulties. But there are also lesser-known signs of the condition which you should know about and never ignore.

New research from Vitality Life Insurance has revealed that while almost 88% of people can identify memory loss as a symptom, there are other signs people aren't aware of. For example, only a quarter were aware of preference for sweet food being a symptom of dementia.

A study published in JAMA Neurology suggests people with a certain type of dementia known as frontotemporal dementia can have a sudden craving for sweets or sweet foods. The study found that patients with this type of dementia ate more sugar and carbohydrates than those who didn't have the condition.

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Frontotemporal is a type of dementia which changes peoples' behaviour, speaking, motor skills and executive functioning, and is one of the leading types of early onset dementia. It causes areas of the brain to decrease in size, including the hypothalamus, which controls many systems including hunger. This is likely what contributes to changes in eating behaviour and food preferences.

If you, or someone you know, is experiencing any symptoms related to dementia, you should speak to a GP. Although there is currently no cure, a diagnosis will help people get the right treatment and support.

Ariane Sohrabi-Shiraz