A healthy diet is important for your loved one, because some foods are linked to many health complications in aging adults. This becomes more important if your loved one has complications like Alzheimer’s. Certain food types can increase the risk of this condition and worsen symptoms. These are some food seniors with Alzheimer’s need to avoid.
Fried Foods
Generally, excess fried food is unhealthy for people of all ages. This is because fried foods release chemicals known as advanced glycation end products. These chemicals can make brain cells age faster. Therefore, if your loved one already has Alzheimer’s, including fried foods in their diets will damage their brain cells faster. Advisably, your loved ones can eat steamed food instead of fried foods.
Sugary Beverages
According to the Mayo Clinic, soda and sugary drinks are responsible for more than just diabetes. They also increase the risk of vascular dementia in aging adults. In addition, a study on lab animals showed a change in the brain of an animal fed with sugar water for almost a month.
The affected part of the brain controls memory-related functions, meaning sugary beverages can affect cognitive abilities. Therefore, it’s recommended to discourage your loved ones from consuming sugary beverages. Instead, they can enjoy other healthy, sugar-free beverages.
Processed Meats
Processed meats like hot dogs, ham, salami, and sausage contain compounds known as nitrosamines. These compounds enable the liver to produce fats that become harmful when they move to the brain. In addition, these fats can damage brain cells and worsen dementia symptoms in aging adults. Nitrosamines can also be found in some beer, refined grains, and processed cheeses.
White Bread
Over the years, various studies have shown processed white flour to have a damaging effect on the body and mind. Although white flour can offer a temporal energy boost, it’s terrible for the cardiovascular system. Aside from white bread, your loved one should avoid sweetened baked products, white rice, and processed pasta.
If your loved one living with dementia is having trouble maintaining a healthy diet, retirement communities are the best option. These communities offer memory care services, and understand the types of food your loved one needs to avoid. They’ll be able to grow healthily and maintain a healthy diet.
Processed Cheese
As mentioned earlier, your loved ones need to steer clear of processed cheese. Fresh cheese can be added as part of their diet, since it hasn’t undergone any chemical process. On the other hand, processed cheese allows the deposit of unhealthy proteins in the bloodstream when consumed.
With time, these protein deposits can travel to the brain and damage healthy synapses. Some processed foods they need to avoid are American cheese, canned cheese, and mozzarella sticks.
Microwaved Popcorn
Popcorn is a healthy snack; however, the brands your loved one buys will determine whether it’s healthy or not. Some popcorn includes chemicals that promote the production of brain plaques that can increase the risk of Alzheimer’s. If your loved one loves popcorn, have them stick to organic brands.
