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Dementia disproportionately affects elderly men and women, however there are a variety of things patients with early signs of the incurable disease can do in order to slow the development of it. Your physician will recommend medications and an exercise regimen, but it is recommended you also alter your diet. Here is a list of the 5 foods you should eat if you want to do your best to slow down dementia.
The high levels of folate and B9 in these foods are known to improve cognition and nourish the brain, so try to incorporate kale, spinach, mustard greens, collard greens and other leafy greens into your diet.
These foods are overflowing with folate, iron, magnesium and potassium – all proven to boost the function of neuro transmitters. There are all sorts of beans and legumes you can use to create tasty dinners, including lima beans, kidney beans, lentils and black-eyed peas.
Some spices, such as cinnamon, sage, turmeric and cumin, are recommended for dementia patients because they contain properties that have the ability to break up plaque in the brain and reduce inflammation.
Berries, such as strawberries, raspberries, blueberries and cherries, contain a rather high concentration of anthocyanin, a compound that protects the brain from free radicals.
Most nut variations are boasting full of omega-3s, omega-6s, vitamin E, folate, magnesium and vitamin B6. They have all been scientifically proven to strengthen neuro transmitters. Some examples of nutritive nuts include almonds, cashews, walnuts, hazelnuts and peanuts.
Besides incorporating these 5 dementia-slowing foods into your meals, you should of course also eliminate the consumption of common toxins that could be contributing to the advancement of the disease. Make sure you drink purified water, cut out the caffeine, eliminate sugars and avoid using drugs or drinking alcohol.
Are you the deemed caregiver for someone suffering from dementia and don’t know where to start? Don’t worry. You’ve come to the right place. Dementia caregiving demands lots understanding and flexibility, but there are some things you can do to make your new experience easier and more rewarding. Check out our list of caregiver tips and do what you can to put them to good use!
The most crucial tip on the list is one that encourages you to make schedules in order to establish a routine and prevent stress. It’s best to make daily schedules, weekly schedules and even monthly schedules so you and the one you are caring for can stay on track when it comes to appointments and other activities.
The next critical caregiving tip agreed upon by caregivers is that you’re going to have to practice some patience. Daily tasks will likely take much longer than usual to accomplish when you are caring for someone with dementia, so prepare yourself to essentially forget about hurrying along anywhere. Remember to also stay flexible in order to accommodate the ever-changing needs of your patient, parent or spouse.
Visual and audible distractions can make it hard to communicate with the person you are caring for, so it’s recommended you remove them from the home when necessary. For example, turn the TV, radio or computer off while having important talks, eating meals or hosting company. This will help him or her focus on the conversation taking place.
Hopefully the 3 caregiver tips above will help you smoothly transition into your new role. Caring for someone with dementia can be challenging at times, but there are ways to remain positive and hopeful. We suggest joining a support group, getting involved in local charities, participating in advocacy and keeping up with our blog.
