Doctor names food-related sign of senile dementia

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The neurologist talked about one of the signs of dementia, which is associated with eating.

Alyokhina emphasized that elderly people often change their food preferences, their appetite worsens, but with the development of senile dementia, additional obstacles may appear when eating and drinking.

Due to the fact that dementia affects cognitive functions and gradually deprives people of the ability to think, it often happens that with The patient develops dysphagia, a difficulty swallowing. This makes dementia even more threatening.

If left untreated and untreated, the condition can lead to malnutrition, dehydration, life-threatening chest infections, and an increased risk of choking.

“Dysphagia (difficulty swallowing) can occur with dementia and prevent a person from swallowing food and liquids effectively and safely. And if left untreated, dysphagia can lead to malnutrition, dehydration, life-threatening chest infections, and an increased risk of choking,” the doctor said.

She also explained that dementia affects the area of ​​the brain that controls basic functions, such as swallowing. This is evident in the later stages of the disease. As it worsens, it reaches the point where a person can hold food or drink in their mouth for a long time without trying to swallow.