Dementia has several forms, and research suggests unusual eating habits may be an early sign of frontotemporal dementia (FTD)—a rare subtype affecting the brain’s frontal and temporal lobes, which control personality, behavior, and language. According to Dementia UK, about 1 in 20 people with dementia have FTD.
People with FTD may develop abnormal eating behaviors such as overeating (hyperphagia), obsessively eating one specific food, or even consuming non-food items. Some gain weight due to loss of appetite control, possibly linked to damage in brain areas like the hypothalamus, which regulates hunger and satiety. Others may lose weight because they restrict themselves to a very limited diet.
However, these behaviors alone don’t confirm FTD. Similar patterns can appear in healthy individuals or in conditions like pica or autism. When combined with other symptoms—such as personality changes, language difficulties, memory issues, or physical weakness—they may raise concern.
If dementia is suspected, early medical evaluation is important for proper diagnosis and support.