Eating habits in dementia. A descriptive study.

The eating habits of 33 patients with dementia were studied. They were assessed by semistructured interview with a relative who was able to act as an informant for the whole period of the dementia. Changes in eating were found to be common and included both increased and decreased food intake, altered food choice, the consumption of inedible substances and disturbances in the process of eating. The clinical significance of these changes and some likely underlying mechanisms are discussed.