Eating-related problems are common in people with dementia, and may have many adverse consequences. To provide a comprehensive assessment and understanding of these issues, we validated the Chinese version of the Abnormal Eating Behavior Questionnaire (AEBQ), and investigated the prevalence of and factors related to eating-related problems in people with dementia.

A total of 129 people with dementia were recruited from a nursing home and a psychiatric hospital for a cross -sectional study. Internal consistency and test–retest reliability were tested using Cronbach’s α and intra-class correlation coefficient. Dimensionality was evaluated by principal component analysis. Concurrent validity was assessed using Spearman’s correlation coefficient to compare scores for AEBQ and the eating-related items in the Neuropsychiatric Inventory. Factors affecting the prevalence of eating-related problems were identified using logistic regression analysis.

The Chinese version of the AEBQ showed acceptable internal consistency, time stability, dimensionality, and concurrent validity. Overall, 86.8% of the participants showed eating-related problems. “Needs supervision” was the most common one, followed by “swallowing problems”. History of stroke (OR: 12.62, 95% CI: 1.58–101.06) and Clinical Dementia Rating (OR: 1.82, 95% CI: 1.02–3.24) were risk factors for “swallowing problems”. Use of antipsychotics protected against “decline in table manners” (OR: 0.21, 95% CI: 0.06–0.74), but was a risk factor for “decrease in appetite” (OR: 3.15, 95% CI: 1.35–7.38). Clinical Dementia Rating (OR: 9.27, 95% CI: 4.13–20.79) independently predicted “needs supervision”.

The Chinese version of the AEBQ is a reliable and valid tool. People with dementia had a high prevalence of eating-related problems. Clinical assessment of eating-related problems in this group needs to screen for secondary causes or risk factors, such as psychotropic medications and comorbidities. Targeted interventions should be used to manage reversible eating-related problems among people with dementia.