[Characteristics of dementia patients with hyperphagia]

Research into dementia has tended to concentrate on memory loss and other cognitive impairment, but attention has recently turned to the associated psychiatric symptoms and behavioral abnormalities. Among them, increases in the amount eaten or hyperphagia are not uncommon in dementia. This problem is of clinical importance since it not only jeopardizes patient's health, but also is a cause of caregiver burden. The aim of this study was to assess the prevalence of hyperphagia in dementia. Additionally, possible mechanisms underlying this problem were reviewed and related to the demographic data, cognitive function test, radiological findings and other psychiatric symptoms. Out of a sample of 91 demented inpatients, hyperphagia was present in 30.8%. Hyperphagia was significantly associated with delusion, misidentification, aggressive behavior, hoarding behavior and pica phenomena. But these patients did not show difference in cognitive function, radiological abnormalities, repetitive behavior and depressed mood when compared with other demented patients. The possible etiologies were discussed, including physiological and psychological factors. Hyperphagia is a complex phenomenon, better understanding of the underlying pathogenesis may highlight specific pharmacological or behavioral methods for the management this troublesome behavior.