Weight Loss and Dementia
Weight loss usually occurs in more advanced stages of dementia. Weight loss is not a direct symptom of dementia, but it is known as an accompanying symptom in dementia. As the disease is progressing and the patient is getting into a more advanced stage of the disease, weight loss can be observed.
Around 57% of people in advanced stages of dementia experience chewing and swallowing problems. Difficulties with chewing and swallowing can lead to weight loss or malnutrition [1].
In addition, a study by Soysal et al found out that weight loss was associated with an increased mortality in patients suffering from Alzheimer’s disease [2, 3]. This suggests that weight loss occurs in more advanced stages of dementia.
The term dementia groups all the neurodegenerative diseases resulting in cognitive decline.
Alzheimer’s disease is the most common type of dementia. Apart from Alzheimer’s, sporadic frontotemporal dementia and familial frontotemporal dementia, dementia with Lewy bodies and vascular dementia also belong to the group of dementias.