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The Sun
3 days ago
- Health
- The Sun
The 6 subtle signs of dementia you can spot at the dinner table – from food icks to a sweet tooth
FORGETTING where you left your keys, struggling to recall names and dates... memory issues tend to be the most common signs of dementia. But evidence of the devastating brain disease can be found in other lesser-known areas of life - shifting a person's behaviour in subtle ways. "A person's eating or drinking habits may change when they have dementia," Angelo Makri, senior knowledge officer for wellbeing at Alzheimer's Society, tells Sun Health. "They could experience changes in how much food they eat and when and what food they prefer." Your loved one might reach for foods you remember them disliking, or put together some unusual flavour combinations. "It is not fully understood why people with dementia will change food preferences," Angelo says. "We know that dementia affects the ability to smell, which in turn will affect the ability to taste, and this appears to be caused by damage to smell receptors. Changes in behaviour "The person may then want to eat foods with stronger flavours as they are more able to taste them than milder, more subtly flavoured foods." Common symptoms of dementia - such as memory loss and difficulties with thinking and problem solving - can also change people's behaviour at the dinner table. Some may lose interest in meals and want to eat less, while others may veer in the other direction - overeating because they've forgotten they've already eaten or because they seem concerned about when the next meal is coming. These changes to food habits and preference can affect people at different stages of their diagnosis. "In terms of when this might happen, it is very difficult to say as the symptoms of dementia can vary considerably from one person to another," Angelo explains. The 14 science-backed ways to prevent dementia "Some people will only start to experience these changes as their dementia progresses whereas others may experience changes in taste and smell months or years before they are diagnosed or before they notice any other symptoms." But Angelo notes: "Changes in behaviour aren't always cause for concern, even though it can be upsetting to see your relative do things that are out of character. " Here, we go through six signs of dementia you may notice in a loved one at dinnertime. 1. Sweet cravings As dementia progresses, it can change people's tastes and food preferences, according to Angelo. "They may start to enjoy flavours they never liked before, or dislike foods they always liked," he says. "It's not unusual for the person to begin to want sweet foods more than they used to." 2. Forgetting vegetarianism "Sometimes people with dementia make food choices that don't match their usual beliefs or preferences," Angelo goes on. "For example, a person who has been a lifelong vegetarian may want to eat meat." This can happen because: Their preference has changed They remember eating meat before becoming vegetarian They've forgotten they don't eat meat They see you or someone else eating meat and want the same, without knowing what it is. This can also happen to people who've abstained from specific foods due to religion. "For example, a person who doesn't eat pork, or only eats fish on certain days for religious reasons," Angelo says. 3. Mistaking objects for food "As dementia progresses, a person may put things that aren't food into their mouth, such as napkins or soap," according to Angelo. "There could be several reasons for this. "For example, the person may no longer recognise the item, or they may be hungry and mistake the item for food." 2 4. Eating more than usual Notice your loved one snacking lots more than they used to? "A person's dementia mean that they forget they've already eaten," Angelo says. "Sometimes we eat when we're bored or we need comfort," he points out. "Was there a time in their earlier life when they worried about where their next meal was coming from? "If so, this might make them feel they need to eat as much as possible while they can." 5. Mealtime confusion You might notice your loved one gets confused about when mealtimes are. This can happen if they've had recent changes to their routine or moved home. "This might cause them to overeat, not eat enough as they are not hungry yet, or seek food more often than usual," Angelo says. 6. Struggling to eat As dementia begins to erode at someone's memory and problem solving, the physical act of eating and drinking can become harder - meaning they mat eat less than they used to. "A person with dementia may struggle to recognise the food and drink in front of them," Angelo explains. "Or they may be unsure how to begin eating or using cutlery. Early signs of dementia It's not unusual for your memory to lapse a bit as you get older. But dementia is different from 'just getting old' as it will cause noticeable - rather than gradual - changes to mental abilities and make managing everyday tasks and activities increasingly difficult. The symptoms of dementia may be small to start with, but get worse over time. Below are some examples of possible signs. Memory loss Memory loss is a key sign of dementia. This can include: Forgetting something you were only recently told. You may ask for the same information repeatedly – for example, 'Are the doors locked?' Putting objects in unusual places – for example, putting your house keys in the refrigerator. Being unable to learn new tasks, like how to use a new washing machine. Planning and decision making issues People with dementia can have difficulty with planning and decision making. This can include: Getting very confused when planning or thinking things through. Struggling to stay focused on a single task. Not making informed, careful decisions when dealing with money or looking at risks. Finding it hard to manage regular payments, budgets or monthly bills. Problems with language and understanding In people with dementia, this can manifest as: Having frequent problems finding the right word or regularly referring to objects as 'that thing'. Finding it hard to take part in conversations. Regularly being unable to follow what someone is saying even without distractions. Losing sense of time and place Dementia can cause problems with orientation, including: Losing track of the date, season or the passage of time. Getting lost in a place that is familiar or that should be easy to find your way around – for example, a supermarket. Regularly being unable to follow what someone is saying even without distractions. Problems with vision and perception This can mean having problems making sense of what you see. For example, having difficulty judging distances on stairs, or mistaking reflections or patterns for other objects. Mood and behavioural changes Finally, dementia can also make people act differently or shift their mood. This can mean: Becoming withdrawn and losing interest in work, friends or hobbies. Feeling unusually sad, anxious, frightened or low in confidence. Getting easily upset at home, at work, with friends or in places that usually feel comfortable or familiar. Source: Alzheimer's Society "Unfamiliar food or food that looks different to how it normally does can cause difficulties. "Dementia can also cause problems with co-ordination. People with dementia may struggle to pick up or grip items, such as cutlery or a glass. "They may also have trouble putting food into their mouth or they may not open their mouth to take in food and may need reminding to do so." DINNER TWEAKS FOR DEMENTIA PATIENTS If you notice your loved one is overeating as a side-effect of their dementia, it could be a good idea to switch out high calorie foods for lower calorie versions. If the person is not eating enough, consider giving them some higher calorie foods - but check in with their GP first to make sure this won't negatively affect their health, Angelo notes. "Speak to the GP before making any major changes to diet – there could be physical or medical reasons causing the changes," he explains. "The GP can also check whether their health is being affected by changes in their eating habits. "For example, whether they're putting on weight or their blood pressure or cholesterol is at an unhealthy level. "It's important to look at whether your relative is drinking enough, as thirst can be mistaken for hunger. "Not having enough water can also lead to headaches, increased confusion, urinary tract infections and constipation." Other ways you could help include: Using herbs and spices, sauces and chutneys to enhance the flavours of a meal. Adding small amounts of syrup, jam or honey to puddings to increase sweetness. Following along with what your loved one wants to eat, even if the food combinations seem unusual. Substituting big meals for more frequent, smaller meals and healthy snacks throughout the day. Switching to finger foods if the person is having trouble using cutlery. Making sure everyone involved in the person's care is aware of their food preferences Putting away non-food items which could be mistaken for food, and locking away any harmful substances like cleaning products. Trying to minimise clutter on the table, for example, by seasoning meals in the kitchen, so that the salt and pepper shakers and spice containers are not on the table. Using meal delivery services to make food preparation easier and make sure meals are nutritious.
CTV News
05-07-2025
- Health
- CTV News
Barnswallow Place celebrates 25 years in Elmira
With a growing senior population, the Alzheimer Society of Canada predicts that nearly one million Canadians will be living with dementia by 2030. (Pexels) A long-term care home in Elmira is marking a major milestone this weekend. Barnswallow Place Community is celebrating 25 years with a special event on Saturday from 11 a.m. to 4 p.m. Residents, families, team members and neighbours gathered at 120 Barnswallow Dr. to celebrate the anniversary with festivities and reflections. A time capsule created the year the home first opened will be unveiled during a 3 p.m. presentation, led in part by Patti, a team member who has been with Barnswallow Place for nearly the full 25 years. The home supports 96 residents and 168 staff.
CTV News
27-06-2025
- General
- CTV News
‘Woven with love,' 70-year-old wedding dress sparks memories for elderly woman living with dementia
One of the lovely community members, a radiant 93-year-old living with dementia, brought in her wedding dress to the Alzheimer Society of Grey Bruce in Owen Sound, Ont., from 69 years ago, and it looks like it was made yesterday. (Alzheimer Society of Grey Bruce) Last week in Owen Sound, a single piece of fabric managed to silence a room full of people and open a floodgate of beautiful memories. It wasn't just any fabric. It was a wedding dress, and not just any dress, it was a white, hand-crocheted garment made nearly 70-years-ago by a loving sister for a bride to be. Today, that divine bride is 93-years-old and living with dementia. According to the Alzheimer's Society, dementia doesn't just refer to one specific disease. Rather, it's an overall term for a set of symptoms that are caused by disorders targeting the brain. Woman One of the lovely community members, a radiant 93-year-old living with dementia, brought in her wedding dress to the Alzheimer Society of Grey Bruce in Owen Sound, Ont, from 69 years ago, and it looks like it was made yesterday. (Alzheimer Society of Grey Bruce) When the woman walked into the Active Living group holding the gown the entire room was captivated by all of its shimmering glory. Perfectly preserved and delicate, the dress looked nearly identical to how it did decades ago. The intricate lacework crafted entirely by hand, 'You'll see the stunning detail and love woven into every stitch,' shared a staff member from Alzheimer Society of Grey-Bruce. Members even adding that the dress looked like it was made yesterday. And just like that, memories sparked. Staff said that one gentleman in the room even turned to his wife and, overcome by the reminiscent moment, asked if they could get married all over again. Woman One of the lovely community members, a radiant 93-year-old living with dementia, brought in her wedding dress to the Alzheimer Society of Grey Bruce in Owen Sound, Ont, from 69 years ago, and it looks like it was made yesterday. (Alzheimer Society of Grey Bruce) The Alzheimer Society of Grey-Bruce is a local non-profit charity dedicated to supporting people living with alzheimer's disease and other forms of dementia across the region. Through different education, programs, and a strong network of services, they work towards raising awareness, and offering access to vital local programs, education, and services. Staff say, in that special moment of reflection, they were reminded of just how powerful stories can be. Each individual in that room has a life filled with years of history.
CTV News
27-06-2025
- General
- CTV News
Sunflowers bloom to fight Alzheimer's
Local farmers are growing sunflowers again this year, raising money for the Alzheimer Society of Chatham-Kent. Local farmers are growing sunflowers again this year, raising money for the Alzheimer Society of Chatham-Kent. A Chatham-Kent Christmas tree farm is once again planting more than just trees this summer Fields of blooming sunflowers are being used to raise thousands of dollars for a cause close to the owners' hearts. For the fifth consecutive summer, the Puddleford Tree Farm near Thamesville is raising money for the Alzheimer society of Chatham-Kent by opening its fields to the public. 'The stories that we get, the memories, the people that talk about how the sunflowers were their parents favorite flower. Or I brought my mom out and then she passed away. It's just the memories people share with us are beautiful,' said Gail Whitney of Puddleford Tree Farm. According to the owners, things are happening a little sooner than expected, thanks to the recent rain and heat wave and they expect to open July 2. Visitors can walk through the blooms, cut sunflowers to take home, and make a donation — with all proceeds going directly to the society's day program. Over the years the sunflowers have raised over 1$1,000.
CTV News
25-05-2025
- Health
- CTV News
Alzheimer walk raises more than $60K
Sunday's 40th annual Walk for Alzheimer's in Springwater Twp., raised more than $60K for Alzheimer Society Simcoe County.
