Did you know that dementia can have a major impact on nutrition? With a combination of decreased appetite and increased activity, dementia patients often don’t get the required nutrition and foods for brain health.
Are you interested in foods for brain health while you or a loved one battles dementia? Here are some key dementia diet tips and brain-boosting foods to give you the best quality of life.
1. Focus on Hydration
Hydration becomes even more important as you age. The extra water you drink will help keep your joints lubricated and maintain your body temperature.
Calculate Your Daily Hydration Needs
A good rule of thumb to calculate your daily water intake is to take one-third of your weight and convert it to ounces. For instance, if you weigh 150 pounds you’ll need around 50 ounces of water daily.
Remember to talk to your medical professional about hydration needs. Plenty of factors go into how much water to drink, including things like medication intake.
Eat Hydrating Foods
Sometimes drinking water may not seem appetizing. In that case, incorporate more nutritious fruits and veggies into your diet that have high amounts of water, such as watermelon or cucumbers.
In addition, foods high in water content often have few to no calories. You can enjoy a low-calorie snack while also increasing your hydration.
Use Hydration Multipliers
There are many different powders and stir-ins on the market today that make hydration even easier. You can simply dissolve these powders into your water to help your body absorb water more efficiently.
You don’t have to opt for plain water, either. Try a flavored variety, which may also entice you to pick up your water bottle more often.
Hydration multipliers also contain electrolytes, which are essential for helping your body absorb water and even rebuild damaged tissue.
2. Choose Whole Grains
When you eat carbohydrates, such as bread, you may not be reaping their full nutritional benefit. The best way to maximize nutrients is by eating the whole-grain version.
Some of the most common whole-grain brain-boosting foods include:
- Whole-grain breads
- Brown rice
- Oatmeal
- Bulgar (cracked wheat)
For instance, opting for whole grains increases your intake of fiber, which is essential for healthy digestive functioning. In addition, whole grains can help keep cholesterol levels at bay.
Currently, experts recommend six servings of grains per day as part of a balanced diet. Of those six servings, at least three should be whole grains.
3. Work With a Specialist
When it comes to dietary tips for dementia, it is best to consult the experts. A dedicated team of professionals can help you formulate the best nutritional program to match your needs.
Although it may seem tempting to find a basic nutritionist, try to aim for a dietitian if possible. Dietitians have years of formal schooling and training, while there aren’t any requirements to become a nutritionist.
Remember, it is important to meet with your dietitian regularly as your disease progresses. Make sure your primary care doctor and dementia specialists stay in touch with your dietitian so everyone is on the same page about your dietary needs.
4. Incorporate the Mediterranean Diet
When it comes to your diet, it may be easier to focus on foods you should eat, rather than foods you should avoid for dementia.
If you want an easy, nutritious plan to follow, consider something like the Mediterranean diet. It combines foods from countries like Greece, where people historically age better and live longer.
Some of the staples of the Mediterranean diet are:
- Olive oil
- Fish
- Legumes
- Walnuts
- Blueberries
- Mushrooms
There are many websites dedicated to the Mediterranean diet. You can find more details about the plan, as well as recipes and inspiration for healthier eating.
The common denominator among many of the main Mediterranean diet foods is that the lifestyle focuses on whole foods, rather than processed ingredients. Additionally, many of the foods provide specific benefits, such as improved cognitive functioning.
5. Limit Sugar and Junk Food
Processed and sugary foods are bad for your health at any age, but they’re especially detrimental when you are older. The lack of nutrients can have a devastating effect on your body and cause problems like Type II diabetes.
In addition, as dementia progresses, it can be difficult for folks to keep up with their oral hygiene. Eating a lot of sugar and junk may accelerate tooth decay and lead to more expensive dental bills.
Try Sugar-Free Alternatives
You can have your cake (or sweets) and eat it, too. Luckily, there are many options on the market for sugar-free snacks that are just as satisfying as their mainstream alternatives.
With sugar-free sweets, you can enjoy your favorite snacks with less guilt. Try scouting out your preferred indulgences and then locating sugar-free options. You may be surprised with how many swaps you can make.
Sugar-free options are also the best nutrition for cognitive function. You won’t have to worry about the crash that occurs after a sugar high.
Balance is Key
Although it’s important to limit your junk food and sugar intake, you also need to consider your quality of life. A balanced diet is a great way to maintain your happiness without totally restricting what you eat.
If you generally have a healthy, balanced diet, do not stress over a slice of pie or a bag of chips on occasion. You should still be able to enjoy those things without guilt.
At Summerhouse Vista Shores, our homestyle dining options combine health, nutrition, and indulgence. Our chef-prepared meals will fulfill all of your cravings.
Try These Dementia Diet Tips
If you or a loved one suffers from dementia, these dementia diet tips can help you maintain a healthy, nutritious, and delicious diet.
Are you a senior searching for assisted living care in New Orleans? Summerhouse Vista Shores may be the perfect choice for your needs. Our SHINE® Memory Care Program is nationally recognized and can improve your quality of life if you suffer from dementia or Alzheimer’s Disease.
Ready to begin your journey? Reach out today to learn more or schedule a tour.
