3 Super Foods for Your Loved Ones with Alzheimer’s In a Memory Care Residence

There may be no definitive cure for Alzheimer’s yet, but certain factors—most notably proper nutrition—may help slow the progression of the disease and manage the symptoms of memory loss. Professional caregivers carefully plan the diet of clients in assisted living facilities to ensure sufficient sustenance and good nutrition that can keep the body healthy and strong. They make sure that your loved ones can eat the right amounts of vegetables, fruits, low-fat dairy products (or substitutes if lactose intolerant), lean protein, and whole grains. The best foods for Alzheimer’s patients are those that are low in cholesterol and saturated fat, sugar, and sodium. Here are three super foods that assisted living facilities typically offer to residents with Alzheimer’s:

1. Green and leafy vegetables – Turnip greens, kale, broccoli, and spinach have been found to help lower the risk of cognitive decline in older adults. Broccoli, for instance, is high in choline and vitamin K that helps sharpen memory. Spinach, romaine lettuce, and kale can keep dementia at bay by slowing mental deterioration.

2. Dark-skinned fruits and berries – Blueberries, raspberries, red grapes, cherries, strawberries, plums, and oranges are rich in antioxidants that protect brain cells from damage caused by free radicals. Eating antioxidant-rich foods may help slow brain aging and enhance cognitive skills.

3. Cold water fish – Mackerel, salmon, sardines, and tuna are abundant in omega-3 fatty acids, which have been found to provide anti-aging effects on the function and structure of the brain. They build brain cells, promote the formation of new brain cells, and reduce inflammation, thus improving memory and mood while slowing the effects of brain disorders like dementia and depression. Likewise, omega-3 fatty acids help lower your loved one’s risk of chronic diseases like arthritis, cancer, and heart disease.