How a Healthy Diet Can Help Seniors with Dementia

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Getting diagnosed with dementia alters a senior’s life in many ways, and changes in food habits are one of them. It can become challenging for people living in the middle or late stages of dementia to consume regular nutritious meals. This could occur due to changes in appetite, inability to prepare meals, or trouble remembering when to eat.

The desire to eat reduces with time as the disease progresses, but a healthy diet is still essential for seniors with dementia. According to studies, specific diets, such as the Mediterranean diet, can positively affect biological mechanisms by working directly with the brain. Some diets can also indirectly affect Alzheimer’s and other dementia risk factors, such as diabetes, obesity, and heart disease.

The food a senior consumes plays a critical role in their cognitive abilities and overall health. Understanding the value of a healthy diet can ensure a better quality of life for seniors with dementia.

Boosts Cognitive Abilities

Eating the wrong foods can increase the risk of cognitive decline. According to Harvard Health, diets high in cholesterol and fat might speed up the formation of beta-amyloid plaques in the brain. Beta-amyloid plaques are proteins that clump together between the nerve cells (neurons), causing damage to the brains of those with Alzheimer’s.

Although seniors with dementia cannot reverse dementia symptoms by changing their diet, eating healthier can slow down memory loss. If you’re facing difficulties keeping track of what your loved one is eating when you’re busy at work, it might be time to seek help from homes for dementia patients as they know what foods seniors with dementia need.

Moving your loved one into a memory care home will allow them to consistently consume nutritious meals because the staff are trained to focus on the best interests of all its residents. SageCare is a nurse-led organization, so all our specialized staff members possess deep knowledge about dementia and have expertise in clinical practice, allowing them to determine what seniors should eat to boost their cognitive abilities. 

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Indirectly Reduces Dementia Risk Factors

There are a few risk factors that contribute to the development of dementia. Some of these factors include high blood pressure, diabetes, and obesity. Consuming foods that control these factors is likely to reduce the risk of developing dementia or its ability to progress.

If your loved one has high blood pressure, diabetes, or obesity, they might be prone to dementia-related risks. The first step to identifying the extent of the problem is by spotting symptoms of dementia in its early stages. If you notice any prevalent signs of dementia, it might be time to change your loved one’s diet. 

Even if your family member hasn’t developed dementia yet, controlling certain health factors could reduce their risk. Try to encourage them to eat healthier meals consisting of leafy vegetables, fruits, legumes, and healthy nuts. It can also be beneficial to avoid or reduce the consumption of red meat, butter, and other items high in saturated fats. 

Provides Energy for Physical Activity

A lack of nutritious foods can make your loved one feel tired most of the time. This reduces their ability to engage in physical activity, which is necessary for a healthy mind and body. Consuming the right foods might boost energy and allow a senior with dementia to feel excited about exercise or other forms of physical activity.

The best way to encourage physical activity through food is by creating a care plan for dementia patients that outlines what they should eat. Whether you use that plan yourself or hand it over to a memory care staff member, the guideline can smoothen the caregiving process.

Some foods that can boost energy in older adults are complex carbs, fish, foods with vitamins, and healthy liquids. Eating nutrient-dense foods provides seniors with sufficient energy without overconsumption of unnecessary calories. 

When a senior eats healthy food that gives them energy, they might utilize that energy in physical activity, allowing them to get hungry more often. This can be helpful for seniors with dementia who notice a decline in appetite.

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Improves Mood & Behaviour

A good diet is a gateway to better mood and behaviour. Eating the right food stimulates the brain, allowing the senior to react more positively. Common behavioural issues among seniors with dementia include agitation, aggression, and vocalizations. Although food alone cannot prevent these issues, it can reduce their occurrence or impact.

Every food plays a different role in boosting mood and reducing behaviour issues. Certain healthy foods improve mood and behaviour, such as fatty fish, dark chocolate, and bananas. For example, fatty fish includes Omega-3 fatty acids, which can modulate the mechanisms of brain cell signalling, leading to a better mood.

May Increase Appetite

Decreased appetite is a common symptom of dementia due to reduced sense of taste or smell, inability to remember familiar foods or side effects of medication. However, consuming healthier foods with high nutrients might positively impact a senior’s appetite.

An important aspect of dementia care is identifying what works best for your loved one. When you understand what dementia care looks like, you can help your family member by providing the care and attention they deserve. This could involve observing what food they enjoy eating. You can try to give them different healthy items and notice which ones they eat and avoid. This will give you a better sense of what to serve to encourage consumption.

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Food is an essential component of one’s daily life. Although a senior with dementia might feel otherwise, a caregiver’s responsibility involves focusing on providing their loved ones with necessary nutrients.

A healthy diet can help your loved ones receive better care while improving their cognitive abilities, mood, and overall health. If you’re unsure how to implement a healthy diet that your family member enjoys, reach out to the specialized staff at SageCare. We’re always available to guide you through the process and help your loved ones receive the care they need in every aspect of their life.