One of the first signs of dementia is cooking

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A person with dementia may start to like foods they didn't like before.

Dementia is a syndrome associated with ongoing brain decline that often leads to memory problems and behavioral changes.

While there is no cure for dementia, there are treatments and support available for people living with it.

So the earlier you can spot any symptoms and seek professional help, the better.

Common early signs of dementia include memory loss and mood swings.

However, the doctor explained that some people may show signs of dementia while cooking. He warned that dementia can change not only people's tastes, but also their ability to cook to the same standards as before.

“Some types of dementia, such as those affecting the frontal lobe, can affect food preferences – for example, they develop a sweet tooth later in life. But that’s usually the first symptom of dementia. As dementia progresses, it can affect appetite, swallowing or memory of recent meals,” says the neurologist.

But changes in how someone prepares dinner may appear before changes in their tastes, he said.

“One of the problems that can be noticed early on is difficulty with planning and organization. This is called ‘executive function.’ When it comes to food and eating, dementia can affect a person’s ability to cook. Without even realizing it, when you cook, you are actually using a lot of mental faculties.”

You need to organize your time to do a lot of different tasks and combine them during the meal.

Dementia can manifest itself when someone who was a very good cook now struggles to cook to their former high standards.

A person’s changing tastes may mean they now eat foods that go against their personal beliefs.

“A person with dementia may start to have changes in their taste perception.”

They may start to enjoy foods they never liked before, or dislike foods they always liked.

Sometimes people with dementia make food choices that don’t align with their usual beliefs or preferences. For example, a person who has been a vegetarian their whole life may want to eat meat.

If you suspect that you or a loved one has dementia, it is important to speak with a healthcare professional to assess and diagnose the condition.