Diet & Dementia

Dementia & Diet Health House Clinics

We all know that a healthy diet is extremely important for our health and wellbeing, but can it impact the development of Dementia? Can the food we eat reduce our risk of developing the aforementioned diseases? Researchers have undertaken several prospective research studies to investigate this relationship between diet and dementia. 

The brain and body rely on a regular supply of nutrients in order to function and remain healthy. But sometimes it’s hard to know what advice is best to listen to when it comes to food and diets. In regards to diet and dementia, there are a few key pointers that are important to consider.

Foods To Avoid

Reviewing the prospective research studies on the relationship between diet and dementia, the Western diet is a commonly “linked with the development of obesity and Alzheimer’s Disease” (1). The research over the past few years “has generated a convincing body of evidence that a Western diet – one high in saturated fat and refined carbohydrates – can damage various brain systems.” (2) Saturated fat is a type of fat that’s solid at room temperature. Mainly found in animal products including dairy foods such as butter, cream and cheese, fatty cuts of meat and processed meats, lard, copha and margarine. In addition it can also be found in some plant sources such as palm oil and coconut oil. (3) Refined carbohydrates include sugars, added sugars and refined white grains, such as white bread, white rice, cereals and pasta. (4).

Foods To Help Prevent

So now we know what to avoid, what can we be eating to help reduce the risk of and to help our cognitive ability? Studies have shown the Mediterranean-style diet to decrease the risk of dementia (5)(6). This diet contains a high intake of fresh fruit, vegetables, whole grain cereals, nuts and legumes and fish. This style of diet provides the essential nutrients to help with brain function, such as omega-3 fatty acids, antioxidants, folic acid and B vitamins (7).

mediterranean diet pyramid recommended for dementia prevention

Post Dementia Diagnosis

Even after a dementia diagnosis, it is extremely important that diet still remains a focus. Loss of appetite, forgetting to eat or drink, or how to chew or swallow are common difficulties with dementia patients. Also inability to recognise the food or drink put in front of them. It’s essential to ensure someone with dementia is getting three nutritious meals a day, based on the above recommendations, and drinking plenty of water. Options may include meals-on-wheels, family or friends cooking or helping prepare the meals and meal prepping ahead of time so there is always food available when needed. A simple alarm or phone call can also be a helpful reminder when it comes to mealtimes. (8)

Resources
  1. https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/21167850
  2. https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/23291218
  3. https://daa.asn.au/smart-eating-for-you/smart-eating-fast-facts/nourishing-nutrients/where-do-i-find-saturated-fats-in-food/
  4. http://healthyeating.sfgate.com/list-refined-carbs-7260.html
  5. https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/23517914
  6. https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/22614926
  7. http://www.scie.org.uk/dementia/living-with-dementia/eating-well/diet.asp
  8. https://www.fightdementia.org.au/support-and-services/families-and-friends/personal-care/nutrition

 

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