Mediterranean Diet as Part of Your Senior Care Plan May Help Slow Cognitive Decline
Cognitive decline is one of the main concerns for the seniors and their caregivers. Some decline as we age is common, but maintaining a healthy brain through lifestyle choices can help slow the progression of memory loss, confusion, and overall mental decline. Senior care providers can offer assistance with dietary restrictions and exercise regimens, making it easier for seniors to stick to a brain-healthy lifestyle.
Studying the Mediterranean Diet: What We Learned
In one study conducted by the University of Edinburgh, Scotland, researchers found that a Mediterranean Diet is an efficient tool in preventing cognitive decline, as well as in staying healthy.
The study examined over 900 seniors (age 73-76) throughout the period of three years. During that period, researchers monitored nutritional habits of the seniors, and also studied their brain volume.
At the beginning of the study, participants were given a questionnaire about their diet. After that, they underwent an MRI scan so that researchers could measure participants’ overall brain volume, the thickness of the cortex, and grey matter volume. These measurements allow scientists to determine the health of the brain, specifically looking for new cell production and ability to fight deterioration.
After three years, participants had a second MRI scan. The results of the two MRI scans were compared, showing that a regular participant who did not follow a strict diet lost a 1% of the brain’s volume in the previous three years.
There were also study participants who ate a Mediterranean Diet. This group only lost 0.5% of their brain volume. Maintaining brain volume indicates brain health because it shows the brain is continuing to replace old cells with healthy new cells. If a brain is shrinking, cognitive function, like memory, speech, problem-solving, and decision making, are lost.
Of course, not all participants had the same lifestyle and habits. Nonetheless, when taken all that into account, the results still pointed out to the benefits of the Mediterranean diet on slowing down brain volume loss.
What is a Mediterranean Diet Anyway?
The Mediterranean diet is a diet rich in healthy fats, and plant-based foods. Additionally, the intake of sugary food and damaging trans fats is at the minimum level. It is called the Mediterranean diet because this region traditionally follows these eating habits naturally. Most Mediterranean towns are fishing and farming towns, making access to fresh protein and produce
In the United States, access to certain fish, meats, fruits, and vegetables can be rather seasonal. Tomatoes are a great summertime food that meets the all the criteria for the Mediterranean diet. Limiting sugars and trans fats from things like coconut oil, chocolate, and ice cream can have positive brain health benefits as well. If your senior loved one has a major sweet tooth, reach for fresh fruits rather than cookies and cakes.
Here’s the breakdown of the Mediterranean diet:
- Fruits, vegetables, legumes, nuts, and whole grains should be taken in large amounts
- Fish, seafood, and dairy should be taken in moderate amounts
- Red meat and sugary foods should be taken in low amounts
- Spices and herbs are used instead of salt
- Instead of using butter, olive oil is used whenever possible
More on Benefits of the Mediterranean Diet
Apart from slowing down cognitive decline, this diet has a great influence on the overall cardiovascular health in seniors, including lower risks of heart disease and cardiovascular mortality.
In addition, the diet decreases the risk of certain cancers, and particular cognitive disorders, such as Alzheimer’s and Parkinson’s. [Source]
Well, that would be all from us. If you’d like to take senior care to the next level, give the Mediterranean diet a try!
The part of our Visiting Angels’ senior care is that our caregivers are there for your loved one, encouraging them to change their diet. Our caregivers help with shopping, meal planning and preparation to keep your senior happy and healthy.
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