Learning for Families

Food choices can help to prevent Dementia

A top focus should be to prioritize brain health by way of dietary choices in order to lower the risk of cognitive decline. The latest research informs us of the most effective foods to maintain a robust mind. Evidence has shown that diet plays a key role in onset of cognitive decline. Consuming nutritional foods can slow the approach of dementia. Even if an individual is currently experiencing the effects of memory loss, science has proven that there is still much that can be done to improve overall brain function. 

Paired with an active lifestyle and healthy behaviors, diet can help reduce the effects of medical conditions such as obesity, high blood pressure, high cholesterol and diabetes. The most effective foods in working to ensure brain health have fallen under the categories of: 

• Fruits

• Vegetables

• Nuts

• Fish

• Beans 

• Whole grains

• Olive oil

Just as foods can help maintain a healthy mind, there are also foods that counteract this process. Ultimately, the unhealthy food choices that can worsen health altogether, are as follows:

• High sodium

• High saturated fat

• Processed foods

• Fried foods

• Sweets 

• Sodas

• Alcohol

Most experts advise consuming a mediterranean diet and cutting out alcohol completely. If an individual includes alcohol in their diet, it should be limited to only 2 drinks per day for men and 1 drink per day for women. Heavy alcohol consumption can increase the risk of dementia three-fold. The ability to metabolize alcohol diminishes as we age. If memory problems are already present, the patient should not be consuming alcohol at all. 

Helping loved ones through process of Stroke Recovery

After a stroke, the first three to four months of recovery are the most critical to the rehabilitation process. This is a period when the brain is the most ‘plastic’ and produces the highest amount of neurons. The greatest amount of recovery can occur within this timeframe. It is then important to have a good support team in place to facilitate the care needed to ensure proper rehabilitation.

Some common impairments are as follows:

• Muscle weakness or paralysis

• Memory problems 

• Trouble swallowing  

• Difficulty speaking 

• Depression 

• Incontinence 

While much may be accomplished in the first several months after a stroke, this may be followed by a plateau period which may be very difficult for both the patient and the family. It is very important to support the patient’s emotional needs through this trying time. Prioritize the encouragement of the patient and rehabilitation goals while understanding that setbacks may also occur. Be respectful, positive and patient when interacting with your recovering loved one.