Nutrition Tips for Alzheimer’s Communities

There is a saying that suggests that, “You are what you eat.” Food is an important part of our everyday lives and the healthier you eat, the healthier you will be. Oddly, when you are younger, you can eat more of the “bad” foods and remain healthy but for senior citizens, this may not be the case. Research suggests that proper nutrition is vital for individuals who may be suffering from cognitive impairments. As a result,  doctors may attempt to encourage older patients to make healthier food choices. To that point, making a few nutritional adjustments can help slow down the progression of Alzheimer’s disease for your residents.

Foods that Can Be Used to Fight Alzheimer’s

Alzheimer’s disease is a disorder that impacts many individuals over the age of 65, but it can also be a concern for people who are younger. Research has proven that Alzheimer’s is a hereditary disease that can be passed on to family members.  In an effort to lesson the odds, it is important to serve foods that actually decrease the risk of developing Alzheimer’s disease. Some of the most popular food choices include: 

* Walnuts

* Fiber Rich Whole Grains

* Blackcurrants

* Tomatoes

* Olive Oil (rather than vegetable or corn oil)

* Red Wine

Each of these foods offer different health benefits. If you drink more than a single glass of red wine in a day, you may be hurting yourself more than you are helping.

Foods That Improve Cognitive Skills

Everything that we do in our lives is, to some extent, based on our cognitive skills. Cognitive skills are the skills your brain uses to think, read, learn, remember, etc.  For instance, someone with cognitive issues may not be able to swallow properly. Our cognitive ability influences our ability to carry out tasks from the simplest to the most complex. Cherry tomatoes, avocados, chamomile tea, broccoli, and even eggs are additional foods that can improve the brain’s function; salmon and other foods high in omega-3 fatty acids are also brain healthy foods.  When preparing meals for your residents remember to incorporate these memory boosting super-foods.