Concerns about decreasing cognitive function and memory loss are often on the minds of seniors and their family members. Fortunately, items that can boost brain function may be as close as the kitchen pantry. Here are a few foods research has shown can enhance cognitive abilities in elderly people.
Leafy Green Vegetables
Increased brain function has been linked with the consumption of leafy green vegetables. Good sources include:
- Spinach
- Radishes
- Kale
- Broccoli
A professional caregiver can be a wonderful source of support and information when it comes to getting proper nutrition. Maintaining a high quality of life can be challenging for some seniors, but professional caregivers can help them attain this goal. Families can trust home care experts to help their elderly loved ones focus on lifestyle choices that increase the chances of living longer and healthier lives.
Dark-Skinned Fruits & Berries
Antioxidants have long been shown to prevent premature aging at the cellular level by combating the harmful effects of free radicals. Blueberries, plums, strawberries, raspberries, red grapes, and cherries are great natural sources. And the best part? These fruits can easily be enjoyed as snacks or added to any meal to pack an extra nutritional punch.
Oily Fish
Omega-3 fatty acids such as DHA (docosahexaenoic acid) have been shown to boost memory and enhance mental performance. They’re found naturally in abundance in oily fish such as sardines, salmon, halibut, tuna, and mackerel.
Coffee & Chocolate
Recent studies have shown individuals with Alzheimer’s may benefit from eating chocolate and drinking coffee. Both items are good sources of caffeine and antioxidants, which can delay and even prevent memory impairment.
Family caregivers need to pay attention to their health needs too, and that involves self-care and taking time to nurture their own wellbeing. Families who find it difficult to care for their aging loved ones without assistance can benefit greatly from professional respite care. Rocklin, CA, family caregivers who need a break from their caregiving duties can turn to Home Care Assistance. Using our proprietary Balanced Care Method, our respite caregivers can encourage your loved one to eat well, exercise regularly, get plenty of mental and social stimulation, and focus on other lifestyle factors that promote longevity.
The Mediterranean Diet
A hot topic that has recently been in the news is the beneficial effects of the Mediterranean diet. After studying the eating habits and life spans of inhabitants of Greece and the surrounding islands, researchers have found the diet of the region has played a major role in promoting better brain function and longevity in the area’s older population. The diet is based around:
- Fruits, vegetable, grains, nuts, seeds, and olive oil as the mainstays of the diet
- Fish and other seafood eaten in moderation
- Poultry, eggs, yogurt, and cheese 3 or 4 times a week
- Red meat and sweets on rare occasions
A trained professional caregiver can be an ideal resource when you’re trying to help your loved one lead a healthier lifestyle. Not every senior has the same care needs, which means they don’t all need the same type of senior home care. Rocklin families can rely on Home Care Assistance to provide individualized care plans to meet their elderly loved ones’ unique care needs. Our holistic Balanced Care Method was designed to help seniors focus on healthy lifestyle habits such as eating nutritious foods, exercising regularly, and maintaining strong social ties, and our Cognitive Therapeutics Method offers mentally stimulating activities that can stave off cognitive decline and delay the onset of dementia. To create a comprehensive in-home care plan for your loved one, call us at (916) 226-3737 today.