Alzheimer’s is a progressive disease that affects your memory and other essential mental functions. Alzheimer’s is caused by the death of brain cells. It is a kind of dementia that results in problems with memory, thinking, behavior. It is caused by the death of brain cells. Studies have shown that controlling risk factors like high blood pressure and cholesterol could considerably decrease the risk of Alzheimer’s.
Recommended Read: Alzheimer’s Disease: Introduction & Pathology
Food that fights Alzheimer’s Disease are:
Proper nutrition is important to keep the body strong and healthy. For a person with Alzheimer’s or dementia, poor nutrition may increase behavioral symptoms and cause weight loss.
Best food to prevent Alzheimer’s:
- Green leafy vegetables
Regular servings of green leafy vegetables can provide vitamins to the brain. - Nuts
Nuts contain healthy fats, fiber, and antioxidants. - Berries
Berries are a rich source of antioxidants - Beans
Beans help to keep your mind sharp.
Foods Alzheimer’s patients should avoid:
- Limit food with high saturated fat and cholesterol
There are good fats and bad foods. Good fats are essential for the body but bad fats like butter, solid shortening, lard and fatty cuts of meats should be avoided.
- Limit refined sugar
Processed foods and refined sugar contain calories but are low in vitamins, minerals or fiber. Opting for healthier options like juices or healthy artificial sweeteners like stevia can fulfill your sweet tooth cravings.
- Lower salt intake
Foods that are high in sodium should be avoided to prevent brains cells from rapid degeneration. Using spices or herbs to season the food should be used as an alternative.
Recommended Read: Prevention of Alzheimer’s Disease
Things you can do to ease the way to maintain Alzheimer’s
During the middle and last stages of Alzheimer’s, distractions, choices, change in perception, taste, and smell can keep building up. Serve meals in quiet surroundings and a clean table to avoid distractions that could help the patient eat. Changing visual and spatial abilities may discourage people who have dementia from eating. Try to maintain consistency in the food and check for food temperature as those with Alzheimer’s may not be able to tell the food if it is too hot or cold. Serving too many meals can also be distracting. Try to keep it simple and serve in bite size to keep it easy for them to eat. Give the person ample of time to eat, remind them to chew the food then and adequately swallow carefully. They do not remember when they ate last, so serving food in small portions could help.
Recommended Read: Treatment of Alzheimer’s Disease
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