A New Study Claims Craving Sweets Might Be An Early Sign Of Frontotemporal Dementia Among People

Scientists have been studying dementia and its life-altering consequences for a long time. They have said that dementia can take place among people in many diverse forms. It will start occurring in the form of vascular dementia, can gradually turn into frontotemporal dementia, and then takes the form of Alzheimer’s disease. Each form of dementia impacts the brain in a different way. All these diverse forms of dementia cause memory loss, personality change in people. However, each type of dementia has its own signs and symptoms that need to be observed by the caregivers closely. A team of scientists has found that one of these forms of dementia, frontotemporal dementia (FTD) has a distinct symptom that might act as an early indicator of the disease. Experts have said that people who deal with this type of dementia show a noticeable change in their food preference. Such people crave one specific type of food. Dr. Andrew E. Budson, who is a professor of neurology at Boston University School of Medicine and associate director for research at Boston University Alzheimer’s Disease Center, has said that people who are at the risk of FTD particularly crave sweets that can be an early sign for this type of dementia. Such people start having a desire to have sweet foods more often, said the expert. Dr. Andrew E. Budson has said that he has heard the same discussion in a support group, he has attended earlier. The outcomes of the new study have been released in the Journal of the American Medical Association.

The authors of the study have said that patients who are dealing with FTD have been found to eat more sugar and carbohydrate. Such patients gain weight more rapidly as compared to people who are not suffering from neurodegeneration. Experts have said that most people who are dealing with Alzheimer’s disease are clinically diagnosed in their mid-60s. While signs and symptoms of frontotemporal dementia frequently show up notably earlier. The study has shown that most people who are at risk of frontotemporal dementia start showing symptoms from the age of 45 years. Only a quarter of patients start showing up first symptoms of FTD after the age of 65 years. Dr. Andrew E. Budson has said that apart from craving sweets, patients with FTD are found to have many other prominent symptoms of the disease such as notable behavior and personality change. He has said that friends and family members of patients who are dealing with FTD more often depict them as completely different people. The authors of the study have said that patients who are suffering from frontotemporal dementia often exhibit socially awkward behaviors. Such people are found to have poor etiquette. Health experts have said that these people more often make decisions out of impulse.  They are often indulged in careless actions and show no sign of empathy or sympathy, said the expert.

Dr. Andrew E., Budson has said that he has come across a woman in the support group who has shared her experience while her husband has been dealing with frontotemporal dementia. As per the experts, she has said that she has seen many signs and symptoms that things are not right with her husband. The woman has not contacted any health professional until her husband’s disease has started affecting his ability to work. Dr. Andrew E Budson has said that lack of interest, drive, and motivation are some of the common symptoms of this type of dementia. He has said that lack of apathy and inertia affect patients’ ability to work in the office and fulfill their daily responsibilities.  Dr. Budson has said that patients who are dealing with frontotemporal dementia are unaware of dramatic changes in their personalities. The authors of the study have said that it is the responsibility of family members and friends to bring their abnormal behavior to medical attention.