We all need to follow a healthy, balanced and nutritious diet. This is certainly true for a loved one with dementia. Poor nutrition can exacerbate some of the behavioral symptoms associated with dementia and Alzheimer’s disease, as well as lead to weight loss caused by a poor appetite and/or poor nutrition.
Studies show that the risk of dementia and Alzheimer’s can be reduced in early stages by following a comprehensive optimized nutrition plan. There are a wide variety of good “brain foods” that have been found to aid cognitive functioning and help to ward off brain decline. For your loved one with dementia, consider adding these foods to optimize brain health and function:
1. Dark-skinned fruits
You’ve probably read about the general health benefits from eating dark-skinned fruits such as blueberries, blackberries, strawberries, cherries, plums, and red grapes. There’s a good reason to give them to a loved one with dementia, as well. A recent study found that a diet high in strawberries and blueberries and other similar fruits was linked to a slower mental decline in areas like memory and focus.
2. Dark-colored Vegetables
“Eat your spinach!” Maybe you heard that from mom when you were a kid. Turns out, mother does know best. According to researchers, spinach is high in the antioxidant lutein, which is thought to help protect against symptoms of cognitive decline. Other healthy vegetable choices include broccoli, kale, onions, red bell peppers and eggplant.
3. Avocados
Delicious in a salad or as a dip for healthy chips (who doesn’t love guacamole!), avocados are full of healthy monounsaturated fats that enhance vascular health and blood flow.
4. Nuts
Go nuts for healthy nut snacks, such as almonds, walnuts and pecans. Nuts are high in healthy fats and a good snack choice to feed a loved one with dementia to help maintain a healthy bodyweight. Walnuts are an especially good source of alpha linolenic acid (ALA), which enhances blood flow, thus improving oxygen flow to the brain.
5. Cold-water Fish
There are lots of delicious fish choices that are loaded with EPA and DHA, which are omega-3 fatty acids that have been found to boost communication among brain cells and assist in regulating neurotransmitters responsible for mental focus. Good fish choices? Try sardines, trout, salmon, tuna, cod, halibut, and mackerel.
6. Chocolate (Yes Chocolate!)
Dark chocolate is an excellent anti-oxidant rich in flavonoids, a type of antioxidant that helps improve blood flow (and thus brain functioning), by regulating cholesterol and reducing blood pressure.
7. Eggs
Eggs, along with wheat germ, offer a good source of choline. Choline is a nutrient that aids the body to make acetylcholine, a neurotransmitter that can help boost memory.
8. Olive Oil
Olive oil is high in monounsaturated fats; studies have shown that this type of fat can actually slow down brain aging.
When you’re the caretaker for a loved one with dementia, attention to good nutrition is very important. A diet that’s high in brain foods and low in added sugar and extra salt can help your loved one stay healthier and happier over a longer time period. What nutrition questions can our trained dementia care professionals answer?
