Some foods boost brain function, but others can cause memory loss and lead to dementia or Alzheimer’s disease. Family caregivers need to educate their aging loved ones about the importance of healthy eating and create a list of foods to avoid. Take a look at some of the most common foods that increase the risk of dementia in older adults.
Red Meat
Eating steaks, hot dogs, sausage, bacon, and other types of red meat can raise levels of iron in the brain and increase the odds of developing dementia. Red meat contains compounds known as nitrosamines, which cause damage to DNA cells. As a result, cognitive decline speeds up and negatively impacts various brain functions. To keep dementia at bay, your loved one should eat fatty fish, turkey, and poultry and avoid red or processed meats.
Quitting red meat is not the only way older adults can lower their dementia risk. Seniors who want to remain healthy as they age can benefit in a variety of ways when they receive professional elderly home care. Green Valley, AZ, Embrace In-Home Care is here to help your loved one accomplish daily tasks, prevent illness, and focus on living a healthier and more fulfilling life.
Processed Cheeses
Processed cheeses induce memory loss in seniors because they cause inflammation and spikes in blood pressure levels. The more processed foods seniors eat, the higher their risk of developing neuroinflammation may be. If your loved one continues to experience inflammation in the brain, he or she may experience thinking and memory issues. However, eating unprocessed cheeses and following a healthy diet can prevent inflammation and reduce the risk of dementia and other age-related conditions.
Dementia is one of the most serious health issues among aging adults. If your elderly loved one is living with a serious medical condition and needs help managing the tasks of daily living, reach out to Embrace In-Home Care, a home care service agency you can trust. Our caregivers are available 24/7, there are no hidden fees in our contracts, and we offer a 100% satisfaction guarantee on all of our in-home care services.
Cakes & Candies
Cakes and candies are high in sugar and other ingredients that cause a spike in insulin production and send toxins to the brain, which can lead to poor concentration, memory issues, word confusion, and accelerated cognitive decline. Excessive amounts of sugar and insulin in the brain prevent it from converting the sugar into energy. When a senior’s brain cells don’t get the energy they need, the cells die off. Instead of eating cakes and candies, your loved one should consume more fruits, nuts, veggies, and other healthy snacks. Getting nutrients from healthy foods can curb the desire to eat unhealthy fats and sugars.
Alcohol
Consuming alcohol can prevent neurons from regenerating, which causes them to die. Neurons are important because they transmit information throughout the body. Damage to these highly specialized nerve cells prevents the brain from communicating information in chemical and electrical forms, which is why your loved one should stop drinking alcohol.
Aging in place can present a few challenges for seniors living with dementia. However, they can still live independently at home with the help of professional dementia care. Green Valley families can rely on Embrace In-Home Care to provide their elderly loved ones with mental and social stimulation, timely medication reminders, assistance with meal prep, and much more. Our caregivers are available around the clock to help your loved one live a happier and healthier life. To create a customized in-home care plan for your parent, give us a call at (520) 625-2050 today.