4. Taste Alteration: When Favorites Become Unpalatable
A significant factor that impacts the eating habits of dementia patients is the alteration in their taste preferences. The brain, responsible for processing taste, becomes affected by dementia, causing once favorite foods to become unpalatable. This issue isn’t just about likes and dislikes; it can lead to nutritional deficiencies if the person avoids entire food groups due to these changes in taste.
Taste alterations in dementia can manifest in various ways. Some individuals may develop a preference for sweet foods, while others may find formerly enjoyed meals too strong or bland. The inconsistency can prove challenging for caregivers, as it may lead to repeated meal rejections.
This change in preference isn’t arbitrary but can be traced back to the neurological changes occurring in the brain. Damage to the gustatory cortex, the region responsible for taste perception, can distort the interpretation of flavors. Furthermore, a reduced sense of smell, common in dementia, can affect taste as these two senses are intrinsically linked.
Navigating taste alterations in dementia can be difficult but not impossible. Flexibility is crucial, as meal plans may need constant adjustment. (4)
