Investigating Disordered Eating Behaviours Among Individuals Living With Neurodegenerative Disease: A Scoping Review

Neurodegenerative diseases and disordered eating have become rapidly expanding areas of research. However, research addressing the relationship between the two is lacking.

A scoping review guided by the Joanna Briggs Institute methodological framework was completed to synthesise the evidence related to disordered eating behaviours among individuals living with neurodegenerative disease. A systematic search strategy was applied across four scientific databases. A narrative descriptive analysis was conducted to identify key patterns in the studies categorised by the type of eating behaviour. The types of tools used within studies were explored.

Thirty-six evidence sources were included in this review. Overeating-related issues such as hyperphagia were identified (n = 5, 25%) for dementia and Alzheimer's disease-related studies. Appetite-related changes were prevalent across amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (n = 1, 100%) and dementia and Alzheimer's disease-related studies (n = 6, 30%). Food addiction and binge eating were reported in all Parkinson's disease studies (n = 9, 100%), and in one case report for dementia. Eating disorders such as anorexia, bulimia and binge eating disorder were identified in all multiple sclerosis-related studies (n = 6, 100%). Validated and unvalidated tools (53%, n = 19) were used to identify eating behaviours.

This review revealed reports of disordered eating behaviours among various neurodegenerative disease types. Additional research is required to understand the aetiology and mechanisms behind disordered eating behaviours in these populations. Standardised tools to assess eating behaviours for people living with a neurodegenerative disease are needed. Eating behaviours should be screened upon neurodegenerative disease diagnosis and monitored as part of routine care.