8 Odd Eating Habits After 60 That Could Be Early Signs of Dementia

Aging brings plenty of changes—some welcome, some a little strange. Maybe you’ve found yourself reaching for sweets more often, forgetting lunch entirely, or craving the same meal every day. At first glance, these shifts might seem harmless or even quirky. But according to experts, unusual changes in eating habits after 60 could be more than just a change in taste—they might be early warning signs of dementia.

Cognitive health is just as important as physical health, and sometimes our bodies give us subtle clues that something is off. While many people associate dementia with memory loss or confusion, it can also affect appetite, food preferences, and behavior around meals. Understanding these changes can help you or your loved ones catch early warning signs and take action sooner rather than later.

Here are eight surprising eating behaviors that could signal something more serious is going on behind the scenes.

1. Craving Sweets and Carbs Out of Nowhere

It is not unusual to enjoy dessert now and then, but if you suddenly find yourself gobbling down bags of candy, constantly reaching for cookies, or indulging in large amounts of bread or pasta—especially if this is out of character—it might be time to take notice. Experts say sudden and intense cravings for sugar and carbohydrates can be an early indicator of frontotemporal dementia (FTD). This type of dementia affects the part of the brain that controls behavior and impulse regulation, sometimes causing people to eat compulsively or obsessively.

2. Forgetting to Eat Entirely

Occasionally skipping a meal because you are busy is one thing. But regularly forgetting to eat, not realizing you are hungry, or losing track of mealtimes altogether can be a red flag. In the early stages of Alzheimer’s and other forms of dementia, routine tasks like preparing or remembering meals can start to fall through the cracks. If you or someone you love frequently misses meals or seems unaware of hunger, it is worth exploring with a healthcare provider.

3. Fixating on One Type of Food

Have you suddenly become obsessed with eating the same exact meal every day—like oatmeal for breakfast, lunch, and dinner? While a strong preference for a particular food might seem harmless, this kind of rigid repetition is common in people developing dementia. The brain may struggle with decision-making, leading someone to stick with what feels “safe” or familiar. In some cases, this can escalate to the exclusion of all other foods, which can lead to nutritional deficiencies over time.

4. Acting Inappropriately at the Table

Dementia can change how we behave in social settings, even ones as familiar as the dinner table. If someone begins eating with their hands, making a mess intentionally, playing with food, or ignoring basic table manners they previously followed, it may be more than forgetfulness. This type of behavior can indicate a breakdown in the brain’s ability to manage social norms and motor coordination, both of which are affected by cognitive decline.

5. Snacking Late at Night or Hoarding Junk Food

Impulse control is another common issue in early dementia. If someone begins snacking excessively—especially at odd hours—or starts buying excessive amounts of junk food on impulse, it could signal trouble. Some individuals may hide food or become defensive about their eating habits, often without realizing anything has changed. These patterns, especially when paired with other behavioral shifts, should not be dismissed as mere quirks.

6. Eating Non-Food Items (Yes, Really)

In more advanced cases, some people with dementia may begin to put non-food items into their mouths or attempt to eat things like napkins, soap, or paper. This behavior, known as pica, can be incredibly dangerous and is a clear sign that something is seriously wrong. It often stems from confusion, sensory misfiring, or the brain’s inability to distinguish edible from inedible. If this happens, medical attention is crucial—immediately.

7. Suddenly Hating Foods You Used to Love

Taste buds evolve with age, but a sudden and unexplained dislike for previously loved foods can be another subtle indicator of dementia. The brain plays a big role in how we perceive taste and smell, and those processes can be disrupted in the early stages of cognitive decline. If a lifelong coffee drinker suddenly cannot stand the taste of their morning cup, or a steak lover goes cold turkey without reason, there may be more going on than just a new health kick.

8. Struggling with Chewing, Swallowing, or Using Utensils

It is easy to blame trouble eating on dentures or arthritis, but sometimes those challenges are neurological. Early signs of dementia may include difficulty chewing or swallowing, using utensils incorrectly, or even forgetting how to eat certain foods. These issues are often mistaken for physical problems, but they may be linked to changes in brain function. If these behaviors appear alongside other cognitive concerns, consult with a speech therapist or neurologist.

Final Thoughts

Getting older comes with enough surprises—your eating habits should not be one of them. While it is easy to brush off changes in diet as “just aging,” sometimes your plate is trying to tell you something your brain cannot quite say yet. Not every quirky food habit is a sign of dementia, but when they come in clusters or feel unusually intense, it is worth a closer look.

Catching early warning signs like these gives you the power to seek help, adapt routines, and plan for the future with confidence. More importantly, it lets you take care of yourself—and others—with wisdom and grace.

Because staying sharp is not about being perfect. It is about paying attention, asking questions, and showing up for your health, one bite at a time.