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Why do dementia patients eat napkins and other non-food items?

The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention reports that up to 50% of people with dementia may exhibit neuropsychiatric symptoms, including the confusing and alarming behavior of eating inedible objects. If you've ever asked, 'Why do dementia patients eat napkins?' you're seeking to understand a phenomenon known as pica, which is often a symptom of advanced cognitive decline.