Some of the foods older adults eat can boost their working memory, while other foods increase the risk of neurological conditions such as Alzheimer’s. Therefore, following a healthy diet not only lowers the risk of developing heart disease or diabetes, but it can also keep the mind fit in the senior years. Take a look at some of the possible links between diet and Alzheimer’s disease.
Cognitive Decline
Seniors who live a healthy lifestyle, which includes following a nutritious diet, can prevent or delay cognitive decline. However, those who consume foods rich in saturated fats, sugar, sodium, and harmful chemicals such as nitrates could increase their risk of Alzheimer’s or cause the disease to progress rapidly. Healthy eating can impact cognitive aging, and seniors need to speak with their primary care physicians about foods to avoid and what types of diets to follow in the golden years.
If your loved one has been diagnosed with Alzheimer’s, help is just a phone call away. There are many reasons seniors might need assistance at home. Some may require regular mental stimulation due to an Alzheimer’s diagnosis, while others might only need part-time assistance with exercise and basic household tasks. Home Care Assistance is a leading home care service provider. Families rely on our expertly trained caregivers to help their senior loved ones maintain a high quality of life.
Foods to Add to Your Elderly Parent’s Diet
Aging affects all seniors differently, but there are some common strategies your loved one can use to boost his or her cognitive health, stave off heart disease, and enhance his or her bone health. For instance, eating fresh fruits, leafy green vegetables, nuts, and fatty fish can boost brain functioning and cell growth. Some of the best diets for seniors who want to lower the risk of Alzheimer’s include the Mediterranean diet, the MIND diet, and the DASH diet. These plans require seniors to eat fewer dairy products, red meats, sweet treats, and margarine.
If your loved one needs help preparing nutritious meals, a home caregiver can be a wonderful source of support. In Tucson, elderly home care agencies can be a great boon to seniors. With the help of the caregivers at Home Care Assistance, your aging loved one can lead a happier and healthier life. We offer a revolutionary program called the Balanced Care Method, which encourages seniors to eat nutritious foods, exercise and socialize regularly, and focus on other lifestyle factors that increase life expectancy.
Foods Your Loved One Should Avoid
Some diets contain foods that increase the odds of Alzheimer’s, including pork, microwave popcorn, margarine, and processed meats. Your loved one should avoid these items because they contain fats that are toxic to the brain. Foods that lower the risk of inflammation are the best choices for seniors who want to preserve their brain health and boost their quality of life. The MIND diet is an excellent choice because it includes more fruits and vegetables, less cheese, and fewer processed items. Your loved one should also avoid white rice and foods made with white flour, such as white bread, pasta, and pastries.
Supplements that Can Reduce the Risk of Alzheimer’s
Consuming essential vitamins can stave off neurological conditions such as Alzheimer’s. However, the likelihood of obtaining all the necessary vitamins, minerals, and other nutrients through meal consumption alone is low. Therefore, your parent should take supplements to boost his or her memory and cognitive health. Supplements such as omega-3 fatty acids, alpha-lipoic acid, and coenzyme Q10 can also increase mental health, attention span, and mobility. Ask your parent’s primary care physician for recommendations for supplements your loved one should take.
If you’re the primary caregiver for a loved one with Alzheimer’s disease, you don’t have to go through it alone. Without the right assistance, Alzheimer’s can be challenging for seniors and their families to handle. If you’re looking for professional Alzheimer’s care, Tucson Home Care Assistance provides high-quality care aging adults and their families can count on. All of our hourly and live-in caregivers are trained to help seniors with Alzheimer’s live happier and healthier lives, and we also provide specialized dementia, stroke, and Parkinson’s care. Home Care Assistance can be your trusted partner in caregiving for your aging loved one. Contact one of our experienced Care Managers today at (520) 276-6555 to learn more about our reliable in-home Alzheimer’s care services.