Is There a Link Between Dementia and Nutrition?
Elder Care in Spotswood NJ
Adequate nutritional intake does not protect individuals against dementia. However, research in this field indicates that unhealthy eating habits, which are especially prevalent in senior populations, may raise the risk of developing a variety of age-related illnesses. Things like nutrition should be one of the main focuses a senior has, but it might also be something they neglect the most.
Seniors may turn to packaged or easy foods because they no longer have the energy to cook or think it is a waste to cook for themselves since they no longer have young kids. You may not be around to cook for your seniors, and because of this, they may not eat as they should. Food has a lot to do with the ways our body works, and although there is not one thing that can prevent dementia, there should be a focus on food.
Elder care providers are something to think about when you do not have the time to cook for your parents. They are people who can ensure your seniors stay on a regular routine when it comes to food, and elder care may even help ensure they are getting better nutrition. Seniors with dementia may forget more to eat than the average older adult.
Why You Should Focus On Senior Nutrition
A diet heavy in processed foods, carbohydrates, and sugar creates toxins in your body, which contribute to inflammation and plaque formation in the brain. A senior who eats an excessive amount of these foods while restricting fruits, vegetables, healthy fats, and lean proteins may suffer from reduced cognitive performance as a consequence of the brain not obtaining the proper fuel.
Foods Seniors Should Avoid
Although a senior may not be able to avoid dementia, eating right will help their bodies in multiple ways. Staying healthy and being on a routine can be essential for how well a senior lives. Here are some foods to avoid:
- White sugar, rice, bread, cakes, and pasta all contribute to a rise in insulin levels and the transmission of toxins to the brain.
- Processed meats and cheeses such as bacon, smoked meats, mozzarella sticks, and American cheese all contribute to the accumulation of proteins associated with Alzheimer’s disease.
- Beer, which includes nitrites, which are also associated with Alzheimer’s disease.
- Microwave popcorn includes a substance called diacetyl, which has been linked to an increase in amyloid plaques in the brain.
Some of these foods are linked to dementia but there is not one answer to prevent this disease. Being as healthy as possible even with the diagnosis can help your senior parents live much longer.
Finding the Right Foods To Enjoy
It’s not simple to develop and maintain new dietary habits, but substituting the items listed above for the ones listed below can result in improved health outcomes for the elders you care about. Here are some foods they may enjoy:
- Salmon
- Extra virgin olive oil
- Dark green veggies
- Berries or other dark skinned fruits
- Dark chocolate
- Black coffee
If you or an aging loved one is considering elder care in Spotswood, NJ, please contact the caring staff at Care Street Home Care today. Call (732) 607-8870.
The Care Street mission is straightforward and compelling: to provide a comprehensive range of the highest quality home health services in a professional and efficient manner that will enhance our clients' quality of life and empower families to keep their loved one at home.
Care Street has earned a reputation of excellence among hundreds of families, and is recommended by medical professionals and hospital discharge planners throughout the State.
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