Changes in eating or oral behaviors, also called hyperorality, are a common symptom in behavioral variant FTD and can occur in any FTD subtype. These behaviors can come in many forms and change throughout the progression of FTD. Especially in the early stages or even before the person is diagnosed, the changes can be subtle and are sometimes only later recognized as part of FTD. Cravings for sweets or carbohydrates can be one common focus.

AFTD has developed a resource for care partners to learn more about this symptom. Not all changes need intervention, but when there are risks of harm, or when the changes cause significant stress, interventions can be considered with the support of the person’s healthcare team. Approaches focus on minimizing risks and reducing the frequency rather than stopping the behavior altogether.

• Partners in FTD Care: Hyperoral Behavior in FTD: Changes in Eating and Managing Related Compulsive Behaviors 
• AFTD’s FTD Behavior Tracker can help you communicate your concerns with the health care team
• Remember Me Podcast and blog focusing on hyperorality