How To Eat Well With Alzheimer's Disease

IS THERE A SPECIAL DIET RECOMMENDED FOR PEOPLE WITH ALZHEIMER'S DISEASE?

Not yet. But there's strong evidence that healthy lifestyle habits - such as diet, exercise and not smoking - may play a role in reducing your risk of Alzheimer's disease and other types of dementia. However, more research is needed before any of these lifestyle factors can be considered a proven strategy to prevent Alzheimer's disease.

The Mediterranean diet has been associated with a reduced risk of Alzheimer's disease and dementia. It is a way of eating that is similar to the cuisine of countries along the Mediterranean Sea. There is no single definition of the diet, but you will eat mostly plant-based foods. The diet can be used as a long-term diet pattern to promote health, control blood sugar, inflammation and prevent chronic disease.

The Mediterranean diet is rich in:

  • Fruits
  • Vegetables
  • Legumes
  • Whole grains
  • Fish
  • Olive oil is the primary cooking fat

This type of diet is also a heart-healthy diet that reduces the risk of conditions such as high blood pressure, high cholesterol and type 2 diabetes. These conditions are also risk factors for dementia.

DO THE CHANGES THAT OCCUR IN PEOPLE WITH ALZHEIMER'S DISEASE MAKE HEALTHY EATING MORE DIFFICULT?

Yes. First, the normal aging process itself can change eating habits. For example, a person’s sense of taste and smell may change as one ages, which can affect what he or she chooses to eat and impact overall health. There can also be problems with teeth or gums or dentures that make eating more uncomfortable. Diseases affecting vision are also common in the elderly. This can make preparing, recognizing, and enjoying foods more difficult.

HOW TO EAT WELL WITH ALZHEIMER'S DISEASE

There’s no special diet for people with Alzheimer's disease, but good nutrition can ease some symptoms and help them feel good. the Mediterranean diet has been associated with a reduced risk of Alzheimer's disease and dementia.

REMEMBER THE BASICS

The basic rules of a healthy diet apply to everyone, whether they have Alzheimer’s or not. Build a meal plan that helps your loved one. More research is needed before experts know specific ways to prevent Alzheimer's. But here are some steps that promote good overall brain health:

  • Avoid smoking.
  • Control vascular risk factors, including high blood pressure, high cholesterol and diabetes.
  • Eat a balanced diet - such as the Mediterranean diet - that's rich in vegetables, fruits and lean protein, particularly protein sources containing omega-3 fatty acids.
  • Be physically and socially active, including engaging in aerobic exercise.
  • Maintain a healthy weight.
  • Use thinking (cognitive) skills, such as memory skills.
  • Avoid head injury.
  • Treat hearing loss.
  • Limit alcohol consumption.
  • Eat a variety of foods, especially fruits and vegetables, whole grains, lean protein, and low-fat dairy.
  • Proper portion sizes are important.
  • Limit foods with high saturated fat and cholesterol, like fatty meats and fried foods.
  • Cut down on sugar.
  • Avoid eating too much salt.
  • Drink plenty of water.

PRACTICAL TIPS TO HELP SOMEONE WITH ALZHEIMER'S OR DEMENTIA EAT MORE

People living with Alzheimer’s or dementia often eat less than they used to. Sometimes people just lose interest in food. The ability and want to eat tends to get worse as the disease progresses and ensuring someone living with dementia eats a nutritious meal, or eats enough, can become a real practical and emotional issue for the carer. 

  1. THE PLATE COLOR MATTERS 
    Researchers found that patients eating from red plates consumed 25 percent more food than those eating from white plates. This appears to be connected with the way someone living with dementia sees food on a plate. If you can’t really see food because it’s on a white background, you are much less likely to eat it.

    The use of color helps to stimulate interest in dementia patents, as often they have trouble distinguishing between color. If the food is too close to the color palette of the plate, people with dementia can struggle to distinguish the contrast between the two and realize there is food to be eaten.
     

  2. TRY SOME OF THE BEST FOODS FOR DEMETIA PATIENTS TO EAT
    There are foods that can help reduce some of the symptoms, but mostly it’s common sense. A healthy balanced diet - with treats in moderation of course.

    SOME SUGGESTIONS INCLUDE:
    Leafy Greens, such as spinich, kale and swiss chard.
    Also include, broccoli, cauliflower, cabbage, brussell sprouts.
    Berries, cherries, nuts and seeds, like pumpkin and sunflower.
    Dark Chocolate
    Fish
    Spices, like cinnamon, sage and curry
     

  3. ARRANGE THE FOOD ON THE PLATE

    You may need to experiment with different sizes, textures and flavours of food to see which the person responds to the best. Here are some tips to help you change things up:

    • Add variety in the color of food - different color vegetables help to really brighten up the plate.
    • Try less quantities of food and fewer individual items on the plate.
    • Think about what types of food they have always enjoyed in the past.  Put it on the plate with another food right next to it.
    • Cut up the food (especially meat) into small pieces.
    • Change the texture of the food - potatoes could be mashed, boiled, baked for example. 
       
  4.  MAKE EATING EASIER
    There’s a good chance down the line that eating will become an issue. Using utensils can also become more difficult. It is worth considering finger food to help them eat more frequently, little and often.

    Some examples include:

  • Fruits – raspberries, strawberries, banana and grapes are great examples and have strong contrasting colors.
  • Nuts – almonds and brazil nuts are protein packed and contain essential fats.
  • Crisps – healthier options are available, even vegetable crisps.
  • Bite size protein – fish fingers, chicken pieces and prawns.
  • Vegetables – crudites with dips. 

    Making your parent feel comfortable as possible at the table should also help with their eating, helping them to focus on the food.

    When you sit down at the table, sit directly in front of them, make eye contact, smile and wait for them to smile back at you. Then you can start eating without talking (you start first). Try to keep quiet, be patient, keep making eye contact and wait for them to follow your lead.

If you are worried about the health of your relative with Alzheimer's, dementia, or about how little they are eating, then the best place to go to is your relative’s GP or set up an appointment with our Registered Dietitian & Functional Medicine Providers.

Click here to learn more about how we can help, or to have someone reach out to assist with any questions or give us a call to set up an appointment 716-631-3555 x4256. 

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