A diet change can reduce the risk of dementia in your elderly loved one. Also known as the Alzheimer’s diet, consuming foods that are rich in brain-healthy nutrients can prevent dementia or even reverse the early stages of cognitive decline. Need some tips on cooking healthy and delicious meals for your elderly parents? Here are some of the best foods to add to your loved ones’ diet to lower the risk of dementia.
Fish
Fish is a good source of vitamin B12, lean protein, and healthy fat. Studies also reveal that those who consume more fish are less likely to experience cognitive decline in their golden years. People with dementia tend to have lower levels of docosahexaenoic acid (DHA), which is a type of omega-3 fatty acid. This means consuming fish like salmon, tuna, cod, sardines, and mackerel which are rich in omega-3 helps prevent dementia. Time to start adding fish to your list of ingredients when cooking for your elderly loved ones!
Nuts
Similar to fish, nuts also contain huge amounts of omega-3 fatty acids that are good for brain health. Isn’t it great to snack on nuts and prevent dementia at the same time? If you’re thinking about which types of nuts you should start stocking up, peanuts, walnuts, cashews, pecans, and almonds are just some of the nutrient-rich nuts you can easily find. They are loaded with vitamin E, magnesium, and healthy fats which are good for the brain.
Berries
Berries are beneficial to brain health due to their antioxidant and anti-inflammatory abilities. They contain minerals, fiber, and vitamins that are good for boosting memory. Eating berries regularly with other fruits and vegetables can improve your brain function. Include them in your loved ones’ breakfast menu, make them a nice blueberry smoothie for lunch or add them as toppings for desserts.
Leafy Green Vegetables
Chances are you have heard about the tons of benefits vegetables bring to your body. In fact, leafy greens are one of the top foods in dementia prevention. They are full of minerals and antioxidants that are both healthy for the mind and body. Kale, spinach, watercress, bok choy, and romaine lettuce are some vegetables that are good for boosting brain health. If your elderly parents are picky or dislike vegetables, share with them about the benefits of adding greens to their diet and how they act as a form of protection against dementia.
Beans
Beans play a major role in preventing dementia because they are rich in vitamins, fiber, and protein. A diet low in protein could be detrimental to brain health so it’s important to add high-quality protein to your loved ones’ diet. Black beans, kidney beans, green peas, and chickpeas are great sources of protein. Add them to your elderly parents’ diet to lower the odds of dementia.
Avocados
A brain-healthy diet is incomplete without avocados. Why? Because they’re highly rich in monounsaturated fats. People who consume higher amounts of monounsaturated fats generally have a lesser risk of developing dementia. If avocados aren’t part of your elderly parents’ diet yet, add them to the list!
