Caregivers of loved ones with dementia face many challenges — emotional, physical, financial and more. To add to that, they also face eating concerns.
People with dementia can especially benefit from a healthy diet, as many foods provide the nutrients required to boost brain health. While these foods are not a cure for dementia, some studies have shown that they may help slow the progression of the disease in some people.
Challenges of Eating a Healthy Diet for People With Dementia
As dementia progresses, it may become harder to get your loved one to eat. They may forget they haven’t eaten, have issues with teeth or dentures, or may suffer from depression, which curbs appetite. Medication side effects can also affect hunger.
Keeping food that your loved one likes and encouraging eating — even a little bit at a time several times per day — can help. Getting rid of processed foods also helps.
Foods That Help Dementia Patients
Several foods contain folate, which improves cognition; carotenoids, which lower levels of homocysteine (an amino acid linked to cognitive function decline); and choline, which boosts acetylcholine, a neurotransmitter that increases brain function.
Foods and their purposes include:
- Leafy Greens: Spinach, kale, Swiss chard, arugula and mustard greens contain folate, which helps with depression by increasing serotonin levels. They also contain Vitamin E, which also helps the brain.
- Cruciferous Vegetables: Cabbage, cauliflower, broccoli, Brussels sprouts and bok choy contain carotenoids and folate.
- Beans: Most types of beans contain iron, potassium, magnesium and choline.
- Berries and Cherries: All berries contain anthocyanin, which protects your brain from damage caused by radiation, free radicals and inflammation. They are also packed with Vitamins C and E. Berries are also a great alternative to processed sugar sweets when a loved one has a sweet tooth.
- Dark Chocolate: Cocoa powder contains an antioxidant called flavanols. They help improve blood flow to your brain. If your loved one is a chocoholic, try to get him or her to switch to dark chocolate. The darker it is, the less sugar is in it and the more flavanols.
- Fish: Omega-3, a vitamin in most types of fish, has been shown to lower the risk of brain lesions that cause dementia.
- Nuts: Walnuts, cashews, peanuts, hazelnuts, almonds and pecans are perfect for people who love to snack. Nuts are full of omega-6 and omega-3 fatty acids, folate, vitamins B6 and E, and magnesium — all of which protect against memory loss and improve mood.
- Seeds: Sunflower seeds contain choline to help improve brain function. Flaxseeds contain the memory-booster omega-3. Pumpkin seeds contain zinc, which also improves cognitive function and memory.
- Spices: Certain spices contain antioxidants and memory-boosters. Cinnamon increases cognitive processing, sage helps memory, and curry has been shown to break up brain plaque and reduce inflammation that causes memory problems.
Even before you notice signs of dementia in loved ones, you should ensure they — and you — eat these healthy foods to help with brain function.
Contact Diamondback Healthcare Center
At Diamondback Healthcare Center, we ensure your loved ones get the care they need in our Montessori-inspired Desert Diamond Memory Pavilion, including a healthy diet that helps slow the progress of dementia. If you have a loved one that is showing signs of dementia or is in the advanced stages and needs care, contact Diamondback Healthcare Center for more information.