Whether your loved one is a resident at the dementia assisted living facilities near me or they live at home, one of your main priorities is probably wanting to make sure that they are eating the right foods. For those with dementia or Alzheimer’s disease, it can sometimes feel like a challenge to make sure they are getting the proper nutrition. That being said, did you know that there are actually some foods that are extremely beneficial for memory care residents?
Today, let our team here at Oakleigh of Macomb highlight some of the best foods you can add to your senior’s diet, as well as get more information about our memory care community. Keep reading to learn more!
1.) Plant Proteins and Legumes
If you are after a food source that will help to bolster your loved one’s memory and brain health, then a good place to start is with plain proteins. This includes beans, legumes, nuts, seeds, and tofu. That is because these foods all feature one rockstar vitamin: Vitamin B6. Use this to help regulate your sleep, appetite, diet, and more.
As a matter of fact, there is ongoing research that shows that walnuts can actually help reduce the risk of developing Alzheimer’s disease. Overall, nuts and plant proteins are very good for brain health in general and can even increase brain function and cognitive function. If you are your senior’s primary caregiver, make sure to include these great foods into their diet on a regular basis.
2.) Berries of Any Variety
Because of their naturally sweet and bright flavors, you’d be hard pressed to find someone that didn’t like to eat berries. Strawberries, raspberries, blueberries – you name it, and these all make an excellent addition to a senior’s diet. That is because berries provide lots of vitamins, nutrients, and antioxidants that can help improve your well being, including bolstering the immune system and cardiovascular system in addition to brain health. Also, berries help prevent nuerodegeneration which is one of the key culprits behind dementia.
3.) Colorful Fruits and Veggies
One of the quickest ways to improve one’s diet and nutrition is to include a wide variety of colorful fruits and vegetables. This means incorporating these foods into daily meals – breakfast, lunch, dinner, and even snacks. Swap out candy or chips for carrot sticks, strawberries, or grapes. Add some bell peppers to your scrambled eggs or blueberries to your oatmeal. If you are making a fruit smoothie for your senior, include some thinly sliced kale. Find ways to prepare your senior’s food that is palatable but still packed with nutrients and vitamins essential for maintaining brain health.
4.) Dark Chocolate
Were you expecting to see something like dark chocolate on this list? Well we hope it’s a pleasant surprise! Dark chocolate is actually a superfood that is rich in antioxidants that decrease inflammation in the body as well as the brain. When there is less inflammation in the brain, the better it can function and the more clearly you can think. While you still enjoy dark chocolate in moderation, it can be a delicious snack that still offers a number of health benefits.
5.) Tea and Coffee
These are likely not two items you would think of when it comes to foods that are good for residents of dementia assisted living facilities near me, but it’s true! Coffee is beneficial because it contains caffeine which has been shown to improve cognitive function in those with mild impairment. Just remember to once again enjoy in moderation. If your senior has an adverse reaction to the coffee but still enjoys drinking it, consider serving them decaf instead.
Tea, on the other hand, comes with many all-natural health benefits. Various teas offer different benefits, though many contain antioxidants. Plus, tea can calm anxiety and help promote good sleep, which is a must for seniors with dementia. Experiment with different teas to see which one your loved one likes the best.
6.) Fish and Seafood
For Oakleigh of Macomb residents, fish and seafood are two favorites that we include regularly on our menu. Not only is it a delicious, lean protein, but fish has many health benefits, especially for those with dementia. Fish and seafood are rich in manganese, retinoids, Vitamin D, as well as Vitamins B3, B6, and B12. These vitamins and nutrients all work together to help bolster brain health, maintain proper body functions, protect the nervous system, and even provide the blood with the calcium it needs. Include fish like salmon, tuna, sardines, and other fish and seafood into the weekly meal rotation for the most positive impact!
7.) Foods Rich with Probiotics
If you’re looking for a category of foods that will both promote gut health as well as help with brain health, then look no further than foods rich with probiotics. This type of food can help residents of dementia assisted living facilities near me to properly absorb and digest the nutrients they are eating. One of these nutrients is actually tryptophan, which can help promote the creation of serotonin and melatonin in the brain. Serotonin helps generate happy, calm feelings while melatonin promotes better sleep quality. For those with dementia, these two chemicals are essential in helping to lead their happiest, healthiest lives. A few examples of food rich in probiotics are yogurt, cottage cheese, kimchi, kombucha, pickles, and miso.
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When your loved one has been diagnosed with dementia or Alzheimer’s disease, you want to do everything in your power to help them to feel their best. This disease can be heartbreaking and difficult at times, and while eating these foods isn’t a cure, it can help them to have a better quality of life day to day. Even making small changes in their diet will make a big difference.
If you are wanting to take a look at the different dementia assisted living facilities near me, then make sure to contact us here at Oakleigh of Macomb today! We would be happy to give you a tour of our community, answer any questions you may have, and show you all the amenities and features that we offer.
