Nutrition Change Now May Prevent Dementia Later

Dementia is a broad term used not only for various brain dementia diseases (Frontotemporal, Vascular, Mixed or Dementia with Lewy Bodies) but also as a symptom associated with other brain diseases such as Alzheimer’s, Parkinson’s, Huntington’s, and more.

Dementia presents in many ways showing symptoms such as slow memory loss, confusion, repetitive losing of items, poor judgment, speaking and writing challenges, balance issues and visual hallucinations.

Dementia is becoming so prevalent that According to the Alzheimer’s Association,

• Every 67 seconds someone in the US develops Alzheimer’s
• 5 million Americans suffer from some sort of dementia
• 1 in 3 seniors dies with Alzheimer’s or another form of dementia

Sobering statistics especially if you fall in the over 50 category. Either way, most would do anything to avoid dementia brain disease and it looks like most may be able to at least try.

By simply re-adjusting your diet, nutrition change now, may prevent dementia later.

Brain Nut

If you carefully crack open a walnut and keep the “meat” in-tact it looks just like a tiny brain. Maybe this was a clue that Nature left us because walnuts are one of the best nut sources for alpha linolenic acid (ALA) a major player in promoting oxygen rich blood flow to the brain. That’s brain fuel for brain power which means less chances of dementia weakness.

Eat these suckers raw, sprinkle them over a salad or mix into a rice dish for an earthy, hearty, brain boosting kick. Add in other healthy nut choices such as almonds, cashews and pecans.

Mono ah Mono

Monounsaturated fats could be the brain’s youth serum. Olive oil is a great choice as it holds a good amount especially used minimally heated or room temperature over salads. Other good sources include avocados, black and green olives, macadamia and hazel nuts.

According to a study by the Department of Internal Medicine, Division of Endocrinology, Diabetology, and Vascular Disease, University of Tuebingen, Germany

“Radiotelemetry revealed a significant decrease in cortical activity in SFA [saturated fatty acid] -mice whereas MUFAs [monounsaturated fatty acids] even improved activity…In humans, SFA-enriched diet led to a decrease in hippocampal and cortical [brain locations] activity determined by functional magnetic resonance imaging techniques.”

Berry Special 

Another of Nature’s clues to choosing dementia preventing foods could be color. Bright raspberries, bold blueberries, rich red strawberries and others are like beacons of health helpers waiting to be plucked. A study in the Annals of Neurology cited berries as linked to slowing age related mental decline particularly in memory and focus.

Omega’s

Keeping essential fatty acids in your diet has been shown to positively affect brain health. The full spectrum of omega’s is important however omega 3 and 6 are the most effective. Naturally find these oils in your food by incorporating things like salmon, mackerel, sardines, avocado, flaxseed, eggs, edamame, walnuts and beans.

Get Dark, Get Up

Flavonoid compounds in dark chocolate offer blood flow improving antioxidants. This regulates cholesterol and lowers blood pressure making brain health more possible. Coffee is the other brain enhancer that may help memory recall and possibly reduce symptoms of depression.

Eat Low, Feel High

It really is a no-brainer to keep the brain healthy. All it takes is eating low on the food chain. Stay away from nutritionally stripped foods such as white flour (especially in bread) excessive, refined sugars, fast foods, trans fats, excessive meat and over salting.

A study published by the University of Eastern Finland showed that,

“…those who consistently consumed healthy foods at the average age of 50 had a nearly 90% lower risk of dementia in a 14-year follow-up study compared to those who did not eat healthfully.”

Give yourself a fighting chance and rebalance your nutrition for a future of clear thinking and overall optimal healthful living.