Adopting a healthy diet is a safe and inexpensive way to maintain and improve your cognitive health. Consuming a diet rich in anti-inflammatory foods like vegetables, fruits, fish and nuts reduces cognitive decline and the risk of developing neurodegenerative diseases like dementia. Therefore, when searching for the best memory care in Salem Village Trailer Park, VA, the availability of a nutritious dining program should be considered.
Foods that Improve Cognitive Health
Nutrients such as B vitamins, fatty acids and flavonoids play important roles in enhancing cognitive performance. B vitamins can be found in leafy greens, yogurt and fortified cereals, while walnuts, sunflower seeds and salmon contain high levels of fatty acids. Flavonoids are present in tea, berries and wine.
Diet Patterns that Protect Against Dementia
Incorporating these superfoods into your diet contributes to better verbal retention and memory. A diet pattern recommended for older adults is the Mediterranean-DASH diet Intervention for Neurodegenerative Delay (MIND) — a combination of the traditional Mediterranean and Dietary Approach to Stop Hypertension (DASH) dietary patterns. Studies indicate that the MIND diet is the pattern most strongly associated with enhanced cognitive performance.
The MIND diet encourages eating from 10 healthy food groups: leafy greens, vegetables, berries, whole grains, fish, poultry, beans, nuts, olive oil and wine. Created in 2015 at Chicago’s Rush University Medical Center, this combination of foods has a proven connection to dementia prevention.
Hydration and Brain Functioning
Water makes up approximately 75% of brain mass, which is why proper levels of hydration are essential for neuronal activity. Long-term insufficient hydration can lead to poorer concentration and short-term memory issues. Alternatively, an increased daily water intake contributes to emotional and energy changes linked to positive cognitive functioning. These effects are particularly relevant for aging adults at a higher risk of impaired cognition and dehydration.
Customized Dietary Programs at Our Community
Committing to a diet plan can be difficult, but research has shown that personalized dietary counseling leads to stronger adherence to a healthy diet pattern. Through our Sensations Dining program, in-house chefs work with medical professionals to design three-course menus tailored to your dietary requirements and goals. We also focus on utilizing the freshest ingredients for all our meals to maximize the nutrition you receive.
Another unique feature of our Memory Care community is the science-backed techniques we use to understand our residents’ habits and preferences. This then allows us to create the most positive dining experience best suited to your interests.
While diet is important to improving cognitive health, the changes are most effective when employed with other activities that train your mind and body. When you live in our Memory Care community, you can expect your days to be filled with activities that foster multi-dimensional wellness. These include senior-specific fitness classes that build strength and stability. The interactive nature of our activities also gives you endless opportunities to socialize with like-minded residents. Schedule a tour today to visit the best memory care in Salem Village Trailer Park, VA!
