There’s currently no known way to prevent Alzheimer’s. However, there are steps you can take that may reduce your chances of developing the disease. Making better food choices is one of them.
Eating Right is One Way to Reduce Risk of Alzheimer’s
A growing body of evidence suggests that diet may play an important role in the development of Alzheimer’s.
- In 2012, researchers were able to create dementia in lab animals by triggering diabetes-like symptoms in the brain. This points to the possibility that food plays a larger role in causing dementia than researchers had previously thought.
- In 2015, the National Institutes for Health published research that pointed to a link between the MIND diet and lower risk of Alzheimer’s. One study showed that people who followed the MIND diet reduced their risk of developing Alzheimer’s by over 50 percent. Even those who followed the plan only part of the time reduced their risk by around 35 percent.
What is the MIND Diet?
‘MIND’ stands for Mediterranean-DASH Intervention for Neurodegeneratiave Delay. That’s a mouthful! But, in essence, it can be boiled down to a short list of healthy eating principles.
Eat Foods From These Food Groups:
- Leafy green vegetables
- Berries
- Whole grains
- Other Vegetables
- Nuts
- Beans
- Fish
- Poultry
- Olive oil
- Wine (one glass per day)
Avoid or Cut Down on Foods From These Food Groups:
- Red meat
- Pastries and other sweets
- Fried food and other fast food
- Cheese
- Butter and margarine
Helping People with Alzheimer’s Make Better Food Choices
The MIND diet may even help people who already suffer from Alzheimer’s. When you’re caring for someone who has already developed Alzheimer’s, you want to help them make the best choices at all times. That can sometimes be a challenge since one of the effects of the disease is problems with decision-making.
People with Alzheimer’s may become overwhelmed by too many choices, especially as the disease progresses and their cognitive function begins to decline.
The healthy eating plan outlined above can help these seniors, too.
Researchers suspect that, in addition to helping prevent the disease, making better food choices may slow down the progression of Alzheimer’s. Thus, decisions about food are doubly important for maintaining basic health and for helping slow down progression of the disease.
Eating Right is Always a Good Idea
Helping prevent or delay the onset of Alzheimer’s is only one reason to eat a healthy diet. The benefits range from weight control to a healthier heart and even a healthier brain. Seniors who reside at our Indiana’s Five Star Senior Living communities enjoy nutritious meals as part of the Signature Dining experience.
From locally-sourced ingredients to a wide range of tasty, healthy choices, dining has never been healthier. Call us today to find out more about a Five Star Senior Living community in your area.