Despite the growth of modern medicine, Alzheimer’s disease remains one of the most mysterious and feared conditions. A neurodegenerative disease, its hallmark symptom is progressive memory loss.
In fact, it is said to be responsible for more than half of all cases of dementia in the world.
Unlike many other diseases, those suffering from Alzheimer’s aren’t required to stay on a specific diet. However, it has been found that good nutrition can help alleviate some of the symptoms, while also helping ease the side effects of some medications.
This guide will help you determine the best dietary habits to assist loved ones with Alzheimer’s.
Food & Nutrition Diet (Meal Plan) for Alzheimer’s Disease
#1 Recommended Breakfast Diet for Alzheimer’s Disease
Patients won’t often say it, but Alzheimer’s medications can put the person in a state of constipation. If this happens, you need to rely on diet to help correct it.
Hence, an Alzheimer’s patient’s diet can be composed of high-fiber foods, such as whole grains (oatmeals, unrefined rice, etc.) and vegetables. Make sure to add in a lot of fluids too, such as fruit juices and milk.
One downside of having a high-fiber diet is that it can taste a little stale — and hence it is compensated by adding a lot of flavoring such as sugar.
Some researchers have linked high sugar consumption with an aggravation of Alzheimer’s symptoms, to the point where it has been called “Diabetes Type 3”.
Ensuring that fiber does not come with a hefty dose of sugar is important in promoting an Alzheimer’s patient’s wellbeing.
#2 Recommended Lunch Diet for Alzheimer’s Disease
If the patient likes meat, it’s much better to avoid red meat and go for poultry instead. While red meat doesn’t specifically pose special harm, poultry is better known for containing nutrients that nourish the brain.
Beans are nutritious additions for the lunch fare, and also contain essential nutrients for the brain. If beans aren’t around, any other serving of vegetable would do.
If you will be frying your meal, olive oil is also a must-have.
#3 Recommended Dinner Diet for Alzheimer’s Disease
Aside from poultry, fish can also be used as the main course for an Alzheimer’s patient’s dinner. Fish is versatile, so use your creativity to pour in a healthy serving of vegetables.
Other forms of lean protein are welcome, especially in small servings. Always observe the proper portions of your meal to avoid any adverse effects.
A glass of wine after dinner is also a good way not just to cap off the night, but also to ingest a healthy dose of antioxidants that will help keep further degeneration at bay.
#4 Recommended Snack Diet for Alzheimer’s Disease
Nuts are a great help for Alzheimer’s patients, because they contain a good amount of nutrients that will help mitigate the symptoms of dementia.
Whole grain snacks like wheat biscuits, oatmeal, cereals and the like would also help in improving other symptoms.
If you’d rather snack on fruits, you can take a handful of fresh berries. Just be careful, as berries have the tendency to raise your blood sugar and hence increase the chances that the Alzheimer’s condition will worsen.
#5 Recommended Drinks for Alzheimer’s Disease
As with all other diseases, no drink really helps improve Alzheimer’s more than a good glass of water. Make sure you’re completely hydrated, throughout the day.
Currently, there are various nutritional drinks that purport to help slowly reverse the onset of Alzheimer’s.
One such drink, Souvenaid, claims to help in the growth of new synapses, therefore counteracting the effects of the dreaded condition.
While such drinks have had success during lab testing in animals, care should still be taken when consuming them. Always ask your doctor for advice.
#6 Recommended Herbs for Alzheimer’s Disease
There is a wide variety of herbs that can serve as a complementary treatment for Alzheimer’s symptoms.
Ginkgo Biloba, for example, helps promote circulation and brain function, therefore helping reduce the symptoms. Nettle helps the body obtain more calcium and magnesium, two elements that are important in increasing the transmission of nerve impulses.
Aside from also being a good source of calcium and magnesium, green oats (or milky oats) are also helpful in relieving the inflammation of various segments of the nervous system.
#7 Recommended Fruits for Alzheimer’s Disease
There are a few very common fruits that in healthy doses can help improve or reduce the symptoms of Alzheimer’s. They include strawberries, apples, mangoes, cucumbers, kiwi, grapes, tomatoes, peaches, and persimmons.
All these fruits contain a newly-isolated compound called Fisetin, which helps in preserving the brain (while also fighting cancer and diabetes).
#8 Recommended Vitamins for Alzheimer’s Disease
Vitamin D, obtained through adequate exposure to sunlight, was found to help deter the onset of Alzheimer’s symptoms.
According to a study, those with low levels of Vitamin D are twice as likely to develop the disease.
#9 Recommended Minerals for Alzheimer’s Disease
As mentioned earlier, calcium and magnesium are very helpful in improving the nerve transmissions which becomes impaired with Alzheimer’s.
Another surprising mineral that can help improve the symptoms of the illness is lithium, most commonly known as a component in batteries. Some treatments have already used lithium as an effective means of neurodegenerative disorders.
Do not self-medicate, though, as it only takes a very low dose for the treatment to take effect. While the science here is still young, you can ask your doctor if this treatment is applicable to you.
#10 Discouraged Foods for Alzheimer’s Disease
Sugar is the primary item that should be taken off an Alzheimer’s patient’s diet, since studies have tied sugar to a chain reaction that leads to the illness’ symptoms. Proper diet should also be observed on all fronts, so no fatty and salty foods.
Alzheimer’s may be a dreaded illness, but at best it is manageable. It is possible to improve a patient’s quality of life, with both an effective medical regimen and care in one’s diet.
*If you have any concerns or questions about your health, you should always consult your doctor before making any changes to your diet or nutrition program.
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