Have you heard of brain food? While the concept of foods that boost brainpower may sound like a myth, the fact is that certain foods can have a positive impact on brain function and memory. This is especially important for seniors, who experience a natural decrease in cognitive function as part of the aging process. Here’s a list of food seniors can add to their diets to boost brainpower.
Walnuts
These nuts contain a huge amount of omega-3 fatty acids as well as brain-healthy ingredients like antioxidants, copper, and magnesium. Eating a handful of walnuts a day can reduce brain inflammation, which is harmful to cognitive function.
Cranberries & Blueberries
Cranberries contain tons of antioxidants. These critical compounds destroy free radicals, which not only cause cancer but can also have a detrimental effect on brain cells. Blueberries also contain antioxidants as well as anthocyanidins, compounds that may prevent and delay the progression of Alzheimer’s and Parkinson’s disease.A professional caregiver can be a wonderful source of support and information when it comes to getting proper nutrition. Maintaining a high quality of life can be challenging for some seniors, but professional caregivers can help them attain this goal. Families can trust homecare experts to help their elderly loved ones focus on lifestyle choices that increase the chances of living longer and healthier lives.
Eggs
Eggs have long been known to have a positive effect on brain development in the early years of life, and now research shows they can boost brainpower in seniors as well. That’s because they contain plenty of zinc, iron, vitamins B, 12, and E, and essential amino acids.
Salmon
Salmon also contains an optimal dose of omega-3 fatty acids, which have been shown to rebuild connections in the brain, helping messages travel more quickly and efficiently and increasing memory retention. Some research has shown eating seafood once a week can boost cognitive health by as much as 10 percent.A trained professional caregiver can be an ideal resource when you’re trying to help your senior loved one lead a healthier lifestyle. Not every senior has the same care needs, which means they don’t all need the same type ofelder care. Irvingfamilies can rely on Home Care Assistance to provide individualized care plans to meet their elderly loved ones’ unique care needs. Our holistic Balanced Care Method was designed to help seniors focus on healthy lifestyle habits such as eating nutritious foods, exercising regularly, and maintaining strong social ties, and our Cognitive Therapeutics Method offers mentally stimulating activities that can stave off cognitive decline and delay the onset of dementia.
Chicken
Poultry contains brain-healthy ingredients such as choline and B vitamins as well as niacin. In fact, niacin has specifically been shown to play a role in reversing age-related cognitive decline.Family caregivers need to pay attention to their health needs too, and that involves self-care and taking time to nurture their own wellbeing. Families who find it difficult to care for their aging loved ones without assistance can benefit greatly from professional respite care. Irving, TX, family caregivers who need a break from their caregiving duties can turn to Home Care Assistance. Using our proprietary Balanced Care Method, our respite caregivers can encourage your loved one to eat well, exercise regularly, get plenty of mental and social stimulation, and focus on other lifestyle factors that promote longevity. If you need professional home care for your loved one, our Care Managers are just a phone call away. Reach out to Home Care Assistance today at (817) 591-1580.
