Although Alzheimer’s disease can be a challenging condition for seniors to live with, its progress can be slowed and possibly its risk even reduced by focusing on all aspects of a sound nutrition plan. Here are several ways nutrition can be utilized in your loved one’s treatment and how it can reduce the risk of Alzheimer’s disease.
Protecting the Glial Cells
Many researchers believe glial cells are responsible for removing toxins and debris from the brain that contribute to Alzheimer’s. Foods such as salmon, green tea, ginger, and dark berries are thought to protect the glial cells, allowing them to function at optimal levels.
One of the most challenging aspects of caregiving is motivating older adults to switch to nutritious meals. Families who find it difficult to care for their aging loved ones without assistance can benefit greatly from professional respite care. Anchorage, Alaska, family caregivers who need a break from their caregiving duties can turn to Home Care Assistance. Using our proprietary Balanced Care Method, our respite caregivers can encourage your loved one to eat well, exercise regularly, get plenty of mental and social stimulation, and focus on other lifestyle factors that promote longevity.
Eating Plenty of Omega-3 Fatty Acids
Studies have suggested omega-3 fatty acids reduce beta-amyloid plaques in the brain, which can greatly reduce the risk of developing both dementia and Alzheimer’s disease. These beneficial fatty acids are found in cold water fish such as trout, tuna, salmon, sardines, and mackerel. One to two servings of these fish per week may prove beneficial for your loved one.
Seniors who want to remain healthy as they age can benefit in a variety of ways when they receive professional in-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.
Drinking a Variety of Teas
Researchers have discovered the regular consumption of white, green, and oolong tea can increase mental alertness and slow overall brain aging. When incorporating tea into your loved one’s diet, four cups per day of any of these teas is recommended for the best results.
Staying Away from Saturated & Trans Fats
Both of these fats have been shown to produce free radicals and stimulate inflammation, both of which can have detrimental effects on the brain. These types of fats are generally found in fried foods, red meat, fast food, full-fat dairy foods, and all processed foods. Pay close attention to food packaging and make sure your loved one avoids anything that has partially hydrogenated oils listed as an ingredient.
Although following just one of the above suggestions can go a long way in reducing the risk of and treating Alzheimer’s, family caregivers should try incorporating each one of them on a daily basis. This may help your loved one’s brain function at optimal levels and keep the progression of the disease at bay for as long as possible.
Not every senior has the same care needs, which means they don’t all need the same type of senior home care. Anchorage families can rely on Home Care Assistance to provide individualized care plans to meet their elderly loved ones’ unique care needs. Our holistic Balanced Care Method was designed to help seniors focus on healthy lifestyle habits such as eating nutritious foods, exercising regularly, and maintaining strong social ties, and our Cognitive Therapeutics Method offers mentally stimulating activities that can boost cognitive health and delay the onset of dementia. To learn more about our reliable, compassionate in-home care services, contact us at (907) 770-0907 today.