5. Disturbed Eating Patterns: When Night and Day Don’t Matter
In a healthy individual, eating patterns typically align with the day-night cycle. Breakfast in the morning, lunch in the afternoon, and dinner at night. However, dementia can disturb this routine, leading to erratic eating patterns. Individuals might want meals at odd hours or snack continuously, while others may mix up meal timings.
The cause of this disturbed eating pattern is rooted in the brain, particularly in the damage dementia causes to the body’s internal clock or circadian rhythm. This internal clock regulates various physiological processes, including sleep-wake cycles and eating patterns. When dementia affects this area of the brain, it can lead to irregularities in these processes.
A disturbed eating pattern can have far-reaching consequences. It can exacerbate weight loss, particularly if night-time snacking replaces substantial meals. It can also disrupt the caregiving routine and affect the quality of sleep both for the individual and the caregiver.
Addressing this issue involves re-establishing routines and providing cues to distinguish between day and night. Serving meals at consistent times and creating a restful environment at night can aid this process. However, flexibility should also be maintained as strict routines can create unnecessary stress for the individual. (5)
