NewsHealthDementiaThe Alzheimer's Society has warned that cravings for sweet, fatty foods or carbohydrates can be an early symptom of frontotemporal dementia09:37, 02 Jul 2026Updated 10:05, 02 Jul 2026Experts have highlighted an unusual warning sign of dementia which can manifest itself through changes in eating habits. The Alzheimer's Society has clarified that these symptoms are associated with frontotemporal dementia.‌It stated that the warning signs begin mildly but gradually worsen over time. The society said: "Its symptoms depend on which areas of the frontal and temporal lobes are damaged. As with most forms of dementia, FTD is progressive. This means its symptoms may be mild at first, but they will get worse over time.‌"In the early stage, behavioural variant FTD mainly causes changes in someone's personality and behaviour. It can also affect their mood and their ability to think things through properly."‌One significant indicator is a loss of inhibition and an inability to recognise appropriate conduct during mealtimes. The Alzheimer's Society said people affected by it may: "Crave sweet, fatty foods or carbohydrates and forget their table manners. They may also no longer know when to stop eating, drinking alcohol or smoking, or may feel a strong urge to do these activities."The Mana Medical Associates said on FTD: "Frontotemporal Dementia (FTD): A group of disorders that primarily affect the frontal and temporal lobes of the brain, leading to changes in personality, behavior, and language. It tends to occur at a younger age than Alzheimer’s."Some changes in eating behaviour can alert family members to possible concerns about ageing loved ones. This can be particularly useful with FTD, which often comes on earlier than Alzheimer’s Disease. Since the symptoms are different and less familiar, people who suffer from this form of dementia may miss the early signs. Individuals who begin to gorge on sweets uncontrollably should talk with their family doctor about this change. While they may decide that they just need to use more willpower, this new behaviour can actually be a sign of the underlying disease."‌A person with behavioural variant FTD may:struggle to focus and become distracted easilyfind it difficult to plan, organise and make decisions – these problems may first appear at work or with managing moneybehave in socially inappropriate ways and act without thinking – for example, making insensitive or rude comments about someone’s appearance, making sexual gestures in public, or being verbally or physically aggressivelose the ability to understand what others might be thinking or feeling – they may be less considerate of the needs of others, lose interest in social activities or be less friendlylose motivation to do things they used to enjoyhave less of a sense of humour, or laugh at other people’s problems – this personality change can appear cold and selfish, though it is just a symptom of diseaseshow repetitive or obsessive behaviours – for example, repeating phrases or gestures, hoarding or being obsessed with timekeepingtake up new interests – for example, music or spirituality – these might give the person a positive focus, but can sometimes become obsessive in natureFTD can also impact how responsive someone is to physical or environmental stimuli, including temperature, sounds and even pain.‌The Alzheimer's Society adds: "Most people with behavioural variant FTD are not fully aware of their symptoms. Instead, these changes are often first noticed by the people who are closest to them."As a result, people with this type of FTD rarely think they need to seek medical help for their condition. They may refuse to do so if others suggest it. This can cause long delays in getting an accurate diagnosis."The person may also have problems taking medication or going to therapy sessions if they are not aware of their condition. Driving can be a difficult issue if they do not see a need to stop doing it."Article continues belowFor more information on frontotemporal dementia click here.Choose Daily Mirror as a 'Preferred Source' on Google News for quick access to the news you value.‌Mental healthTherapyDementia