Complaining at the dinner table could be a subtle sign of dementia

An expert has issued a warning about an unusual dementia symptom that could become apparent during meal times. This could cause a person might to complain about their once favourite meals or even refuse to eat altogether.

While certain dementia symptoms like memory issues and changes in behaviour are common knowledge, others are less well-known. Care specialist Michael Berkley-Blezard from Elmfield care home Old Sarum Manor has shared some more subtle indicators that could signal cognitive decline.

Michael pointed out a particular symptom to watch for. He said: "Sensory issues are not always recognised as dementia symptoms and as a result, are not often reported as such.

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"These sensory issues could be increased sensitivity to noise, changes to smells and also the way that food tastes which may cause a loved one to not to enjoy food they might have used to."

These observations are supported by the Alzheimer's Society. The charity details how taste perception can change.

It says: "A person with dementia may begin to develop changes in how they experience flavour. They may start to enjoy flavours they never liked before, or dislike foods they always liked.

"Sometimes people with dementia make food choices that don't match their usual beliefs or preferences." As an example, the charity pointed out that a lifelong vegetarian might suddenly develop a craving for meat due to various factors such as:

A change in their preference

Recollection of their past meat-eating habits

Forgetting their vegetarian lifestyle

Seeing others consume meat and desiring the same, without understanding what it is

The charity continues: "For similar reasons, people who have other beliefsmay start to want something different that they previously wouldn't have eaten. For example, a person who does not eat pork for religious reasons may start to want pork. It can be challenging to know how to handle these situations."

As dementia deteriorates, this symptom can lead to more complications. "As dementia progresses, a person may put things that aren't food into their mouth, such as napkins or soap," it states

"There could be several reasons for this. For instance, the person may no longer recognise the item or its purpose, or they may be hungry and mistake the item for food."

Michael cautioned that some other signs of dementia include:

Shuffling when walking

Using the wrong word in a sentence

Being late

Forgetting names and faces

Getting lost in familiar places

Misplacing items

He advised: "If you start to notice any of these signs in your loved ones, try and have a conversation with them about what you have observed and suggest booking a doctor's appointment to discuss the symptoms. This will help guide you and your loved one on how to proceed."

Should you notice someone exhibiting signs of dementia, it's advisable to consult with a GP.