There comes a time when seniors and families start to approach the subject of cognitive decline. This topic is the perfect opportunity to consider early intervention and memory care.
Assisted living communities like Addington Place Of Clinton offer comprehensive memory care programs.
Services include:
Residents also enjoy a chef-prepared dining experience where they receive balanced meals throughout the day, including healthy snacks.
Studies prove a strong relationship between food and memory.
The Center for Cognitive Aging and Memory found that a poor diet can impair memory as people age, even becoming a risk factor for Alzheimer's disease.
Learn more about foods that improve memory.
What makes a food a brain-boosting superfood?
A Harvard study found that the same nutrients that nourish the brain are the same foods that promote cardiac health.
Start with foods with the following nutrients:
These nutrients are most commonly found in leafy greens and vegetables. Salads should be rich in dark greens like spinach and romaine lettuce. Other dark greens like Kale, collards, and bok choy may be cooked down.
Other green foods with the above nutrients include:
Enjoy these nutrient-rich foods in a delicious "green goddess" salad or even on their own for a snack. These nutrients are also found in green superfood smoothies and healthy energy bars.
Beta carotene is a powerful nutrient that optimizes cognitive health by decreasing oxidative stress. Oxidative stress can hasten brain aging. Beta carotene is also noted for improving immune systems, and lung health, and may even help prevent Osteoporosis.
The most recognizable food with beta-carotene is carrots.
Carrots may be enjoyed in the following ways:
Notable fruits high in beta-carotene are apricots and cantaloupe. Vegetables and fruits with more vibrant colors are richer in beta-carotene. Other foods of note include sweet potatoes, yellow peppers, and butternut squash; these make delicious and healthy side dishes.
The next item that should be on every senior's menu is omega-3.
The most notable food with omega-3 is fish, particularly fatty fish of the following varieties:
Seniors with more omega-3 fatty acids in their diet have lower levels of the beta-amyloid protein which produces clumps in the brains of Alzheimer's patients.
Similar to foods with higher beta-carotene content, fatty fish with higher omega-3 levels will look deeper in color. The meat is also firmer and richer in taste.
The above fish can be prepared in several ways, including grilling, baking, and steaming. Use an air fryer to make a healthier version of batter-dipped fried fish.
Salmon is arguably the most popular fish on the above list.
This omega-3-packed fish can be enjoyed in several meals, including served cold in fresh salads. It's often served as fillets with garlic butter or creamy lemon-based sauces. Seniors may also enjoy a salmon sandwich as a delicious (and healthy) alternative to a chicken sandwich or hamburger.
Fish aren't the only foods rich in omega-3 fatty acids.
Enrich your senior diet with the following omega-3 foods:
Flaxseed-based flours are available for making healthy pancakes and scones for senior breakfasts. Walnuts may be enjoyed in warm banana breads or served cold in tasty salads with dried cranberries.
Chia seeds are popular with health food enthusiasts who enjoy them in puddings and parfaits, making them an omega-3-packed alternative to traditional desserts.
The chefs at Addington Place Of Clinton will gladly add berries to healthy desserts, salads, and sides.
Berries contain flavonoids which are shown to improve memory. The Harvard study referenced earlier also noted a previous study that found women who consumed at least two servings of berries weekly decreased cognitive decline for up to 2.5 years.
Healthy eating for seniors should include:
Blueberries are particularly healthy for seniors as they're a rich source of antioxidants. Similar to beta-carotene, antioxidants reduce oxidative stress to decrease brain aging and boost memory. Consuming a blend of antioxidants is even better for cognitive health.
Other antioxidant-rich foods include:
The above ingredients can inspire countless healthy senior meal ideas. The dining experience at Addison Place Of Clinton serves daily meals rich in antioxidants, beta-carotene, vitamin K, omega-3 fatty acids, and more nutrients.
Don't forget to stay hydrated!
Drinking plenty of water is essential to combating cognitive decline. It also prevents muscle weakness and fatigue. Seniors are encouraged to drink water first thing in the morning and with every meal.
Water may also be infused with memory-boosting supplement powders. There are plenty to choose from, from green superfood powders to strawberry bananas. Tea is another option; plus, several teas are proven to improve cognitive health like turmeric.
More memory-boosting herbs include:
The above herbs may be consumed in capsule form as supplements. Taking supplements with meals is recommended and may be included in a daily pill regimen if recommended by a physician.
Are memory-boosting foods a part of your senior diet?
Take note of the above foods when deciding on a long-term care plan. Memory care nutrition is a vital part of the assisted living experience. Continue to research even more vitamins and minerals that prevent cognitive decline.
Feel free to discuss food and memory with a community manager during your tour of Addison Place of Clinton. Get an up-close look at our dining hall and even sample the menu. Our senior living suites are also equipped with fully-functioning kitchenettes.
We're part of a nationwide family of senior living communities dedicated to facilitating independence and administering effective memory care.
Book a consultation to learn more about the promise of assisted living.