We are inundated with information on how diet is the main deal-breaker when it comes to staying healthy.
While physical health is widely-known to be influenced by what we eat, researchers are now pointing out foods that may help prevent cognitive diseases, such as dementia and Alzheimer’s.
But which foods are actually effective and which ones should we be staying away from?
Read our blog to find out how a healthy diet can prevent dementia.
Healthy body, happy brain
Preventing dementia and Alzheimer’s disease isn’t just about looking after your brain, it’s about looking after your whole body. Developing heart disease or diabetes can be a precursor of being diagnosed with a cognitive illness.
One of the most common factors of vascular dementia is reduced blood flow to the brain as a result of clogged arteries or having a stroke. Moreover, insulin resistance caused by diabetes can damage neurons and inhibit the connections between your brain cells, increasing the risk of dementia and Alzheimer’s.
To protect your brain, you need to take preventive measures and start thinking about your overall health.
The Mediterranean Diet
The Mediterranean diet is often linked to preserving a normal brain function thanks to its ability to improve vascular health. The Alzheimer’s Society states that adopting this diet may reduce the risk of cardiovascular problems, type 2 diabetes, strokes and any other causes of death.
Although it’s still unclear which parts of the Mediterranean diet may help with dementia, studies have shown that eating omega 3 rich foods is associated with a better cognitive function and can fight Alzheimer’s Disease and age-related mental decline.
Foods that you should consume regularly
- Fruits and vegetables: berries, green leafy vegetables
- Whole Grains and complex carbohydrates
- Lean meats: chicken, turkey and fish
- Legumes: beans, chickpeas and lentils.
- Omega 3 rich foods: nuts, avocado, flax seeds
Foods to avoid
- Salt
- Cheese & butter
- Fast food
- Sweets and cakes
- Refined carbohydrates
- Red meat
Steering clear of these foods can keep you safe from a number of health problems, including heart and liver disease, diabetes and obesity. For example, according to the British Heart Foundation, a diet rich in salt can increase blood pressure and may cause heart disease.
At the same time, eating foods like butter, fast food and red meat can increase your cholesterol levels. This can result in clogged arteries and damage to your circulatory system and liver. Sweets, sugary drinks and complex carbohydrates are also common culprits of diabetes.
Need Help?
If you or someone you know has a memory loss illness like dementia or Alzheimer’s, Sova Healthcare can help. We provide a bespoke range of home care and specialist care services, especially designed for patients with cognitive diseases.
More often than not, caring for a dementia sufferer requires professional expertise. Our team of carers are compassionate individuals, fully qualified to deal with the challenges of dementia and Alzheimer’s.
We deliver comprehensive domiciliary care and 24h care services across Leicester, Birmingham, Bradford, Harrogate and Redbridge. Get in touch with us!