Until researchers find a cure for Alzheimer’s disease, seniors can consider preventive measures to reduce the likelihood of developing the condition. Filled with antioxidants, the MIND diet has been receiving attention recently as a promising option for reducing the risk of Alzheimer’s. It emphasizes healthy eating habits such as consuming brain-boosting foods and avoiding foods such as red meat and cheese. Victoria Alzheimer’s care professionals take a look at the MIND Diet.
The Origins of the MIND Diet
The Mediterranean-DASH Intervention for Neurodegenerative Delay diet, commonly referred to as the MIND diet, combines elements of the Mediterranean diet and the Dietary Approaches to Stop Hypertension diet. The MIND diet was created by researchers from Chicago’s Rush University Medical Center and was studied alongside the DASH and Mediterranean diets.
The MIND Diet and Alzheimer’s Risk
Preliminary research showed the MIND diet may significantly reduce a person’s risk of developing Alzheimer’s disease by up to 54 percent, which is comparable to the results seen in seniors who followed the Mediterranean diet and significantly better than the results from the DASH diet alone. The primary advantage of the MIND diet is that even those who only followed the diet moderately still reduced their risk of Alzheimer’s by up to 35 percent. Those who did not follow the other diets consistently did not experience the same benefits.
Foods Your Loved One Should Eat
The MIND diet focuses on 10 primary brain-healthy food groups, including:
- Green, leafy vegetables
- Other vegetables
- Nuts
- Berries
- Whole grains
- Beans
- Fish
- Poultry
- Wine
- Olive oil
These foods provide a balance of antioxidants, omega-3 fatty acids, and fiber to reduce inflammation that can lead to Alzheimer’s. The MIND diet also limits certain foods, including red meat, cheese, butter or margarine, sweets, and fried or fast foods.
Other Benefits of the Mind Diet
The MIND diet does not require the complete elimination of certain foods, so there is a lower chance of a senior feeling deprived, which makes it easier to follow the diet for the long term. Seniors can adopt this approach to dieting without a particular risk of cognitive decline because it also benefits cardiovascular and overall health.
If you would like your loved one to eat healthy and benefit from the MIND diet, consider hiring professional in-home elder care Victoria seniors and their families can count on. In addition to helping your loved one eat healthy, a trained caregiver from Home Care Assistance can also prepare healthy meals in accordance with the recommendations of the MIND diet. Our part-time and live-in caregivers are expertly trained in dementia and Alzheimer’s care and can assist with tasks such as cooking, bathing, and exercise. For more information on our elderly care services, call one of our Care Managers at (250) 592-4881.