“Dementia” is used as an umbrella term for diseases that cause issues with an individual’s memory, thinking, and behavior. Typically, the later stages of dementia can lead to weight loss. Let’s take a look at why this happens and when you may notice these warning signs.
What Is Dementia?
Dementia is the decline of cognitive functioning — remembering, thinking, and reasoning — to such degree that it interferes with an individual’s day-to-day life and activities. Many people with dementia cannot keep their emotions under control, and their personalities could change.
Dementia ranges in intensity from the most minimal stage, as it is just starting to impact an individual’s functioning, to the most intense stage, when the individual is required to rely completely on others for basic activities of day-to-day living, like feeding themselves.
Dementia impact millions of people across the globe and is more typical as people get older (around 1/3rd of all individuals aged eighty-five or older may have some type of dementia) but it is not a typical part of getting older. A lot of individuals live into their nineties and beyond devoid of any signs of dementia.
Why Does Dementia Cause Weight Loss?
Dementia can lead to unintentional weight loss because of habit changes around mealtimes. Weight loss isn’t usually a problem until the moderate to advanced stages of dementia. Weight loss can be related to the factors listed below.
Memory Problems
Anyone experiencing memory issues may have trouble remembering foods they like, cooking, and grocery shopping. At this point, others may be depended on to prepare foods and set a meal schedule.
Loss Of Appetite
People with dementia can forget to eat or never get hungry. Issues communicating needs are also likely.
Trouble Chewing And Swallowing
More than half of people living with advanced dementia will have issues chewing and swallowing, according to a recent study.
Additional Factors
Other factors that may lead to weight loss include the following:
- A person’s environment.
- Underlying health issues.
- Lack of exercise.
- Smell or taste changes of food.
Symptoms Of Weight Loss Resulting From Dementia
A reduced body mass index (BMI) is the most obvious sign of unintentional weight loss resulting from dementia. Other symptoms can include the following:
- Loss of appetite.
- Weakness/fatigue.
- Nausea.
- Changes in bathroom habits.
- Frequent infections.
How Is Weight Loss Diagnosed In People With Dementia?
Any weight loss of 5% or more over a 6-12 month span is worthy of investigation. Your doctor may make a diagnosis based on health history or a physical exam. Several things can cause unintentional weight loss, including diabetes, cancer, depression, and medication side effects. Your doctor will likely opt for a full physical exam to rule out any other medical issues.
Complications Of Weight Loss
Anyone who is malnourished could develop a range of complications, such as:
- Dehydration.
- Osteoporosis.
- Anemia.
- Weakened immune system.
- Respiratory problems.
- Increased risk of death.
How Can Weight Loss In People With Dementia Be Treated?
Prior to treatment, it’s crucial to determine whether the weight loss is a direct result of dementia or a different health issue. It’s recommended to attempt to change certain habits, including:
- Remove any distractions from the environment.
- Set dedicated mealtimes.
- Drink plenty of fluids.
- Serve foods one course at a time.
- Serve soft foods to anyone with chewing/swallowing issues.
- Eat with others.
- Encourage exercise to stimulate the appetite.
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