Contrary to popular belief, eating the right types of food can lower the risk of developing Alzheimer’s disease. You can use the following information to help your senior loved one develop a diet plan to keep Alzheimer’s at bay.
Understand the Importance of Omega-3 Fatty Acids
While unhealthy fats should be avoided, omega-3 fatty acids promote better brain health. Fatty acids, such as those found in nuts, avocados, and lean fish, enhance memory and reasoning abilities. Ideally, your loved one should replace unhealthy fats with foods that help him or her think faster and remember important things.
Eating nutritious foods isn’t the only way older adults can boost their health. Seniors who want to remain healthy as they age can benefit in a variety of ways when they receive professional senior home care. Home Care Assistance is here to help your loved one accomplish daily tasks, prevent illness, and focus on living a healthier and more fulfilling life.
Choose Heart-Healthy Foods
Older adults can rely on a heart-healthy diet to promote better cognitive functioning. Proper blood flow to the brain can enhance the ability to think and reason. Your loved one should consume whole grains that lower cholesterol and promote better blood circulation. When the heart is able to pump blood to the brain more efficiently, your parent may feel more alert.
Maintain Steady Blood Sugar Levels
High blood sugar levels can lead to plaque formation and accumulation in the brain. While people with diabetes are at greater risk for Alzheimer’s disease and memory loss, seniors who eat sugar-loaded diets may also put their brain health in jeopardy. Try to limit sugary foods, and replace them with options such as fresh fruits. Seniors with diabetes should also stick to their treatment plans to make sure their blood sugar levels stay within the recommended range.
Older adults who need help preventing various diseases and maintaining a high quality of life should consider professional in-home care. Although it may be challenging to find reliable, highly rated at-home care, Montgomery, AL, families can turn to Home Care Assistance. Our respite and live-in caregivers are expertly trained to assist seniors with a wide array of important tasks, including cooking, bathing, light housekeeping, and exercise.
Limit Chemicals from Processed Foods
Many seniors find it easier to microwave processed food instead of cooking healthy meals. However, processed foods can increase toxins in the body that raise the risk of developing Alzheimer’s disease. For instance, packaged lunch meats contain high levels of nitrites, which are known for influencing brain functions. Microwave popcorn may contain diacetyl, which can cause the body to produce plaques in the brain associated with Alzheimer’s.
Encourage Hydration
The brain is primarily made up of water, and being dehydrated can affect its normal functioning. Seniors should avoid dehydrating drinks such as alcohol and soda with caffeine and try to drink at least eight glasses of water a day. Your loved one can also receive hydrating benefits from eating fruits and vegetables with high water content.
If your elderly loved one is living with Alzheimer’s and needs help managing the symptoms, turn to Home Care Assistance, a leading provider of Alzheimer’s care. Montgomery seniors can rely on our revolutionary Cognitive Therapeutics Method (CTM), an activities-based program that promotes cognitive health and delays the onset of Alzheimer’s disease. CTM also encourages seniors to engage with others in an enjoyable way and helps them build new routines to look forward to. Home Care Assistance can be your trusted partner in caregiving for your aging loved one. Contact one of our experienced Care Managers today at (334) 593-3988 to learn more about our reliable in-home care services.