10 Foods That Boost a Senior’s Brain Health

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The foods seniors eat are instrumental in keeping their brains healthy. Foods rich in certain nutrients and antioxidants are especially effective in warding off age-related memory impairment and dementia. The following are 10 brain-boosting foods you should consider adding to your senior loved one’s diet.

1. Oats

A daily breakfast of oatmeal may reduce your loved one’s risk of dementia and cognitive decline. Oats are rich in zinc, a mineral known to enhance memory and learning function and support overall brain health. Oats also supply glucose, which the brain and the rest of the body need for energy.

A professional caregiver can ensure your loved one eats healthy meals and enjoys a higher quality of life. If your elderly loved one is living with a serious medical condition and needs help managing the tasks of daily living, reach out to Home Care Assistance, a Calgary home care company you can trust. Our caregivers are available 24/7, there are no hidden fees in our contracts, and we offer a 100% satisfaction guarantee on all of our in-home care services.

2. Dark Chocolate

This type of chocolate contains antioxidants known as polyphenols. In addition to reducing the risk of heart disease and certain cancers, the compounds in dark chocolate may also protect the brain from deterioration. 

3. Chickpeas

Chickpeas, also known as garbanzo beans, are a good source of magnesium. This essential nutrient helps speed message transmission between brain cell receptors and relaxes blood vessels, which increases blood flow to the brain.

4. Walnuts

Walnuts are rich in omega-3 fatty acids, which increase the function of neurotransmitters that boost memory and cognitive skills. Walnuts also help protect the circulatory system against diseases.

5. Buckwheat

Buckwheat is a grain-like fruit seed that is high in fiber and contains tryptophan, which has a calming effect. It also contains a healthy dose of magnesium. Buckwheat can be boiled and served similar to cream of wheat or added to soups and stews instead of rice or pasta.

6. Eggs

Eggs are an excellent source of choline, which may reduce your loved one’s risk of dementia and protect memory function. The brain uses choline to produce acetylcholine, which is a neurotransmitter. If you are worried about fat and cholesterol, consider serving the eggs boiled or poached. 

Encourage your loved one to switch to healthy foods and help him or her prepare nutritious meals. If your aging loved one needs occasional help with bathing, grooming, cooking, or other basic household tasks, or if you need time to attend to important personal matters, reach out to Home Care Assistance, a leading provider of live-in and respite care. Calgary seniors can maintain their independence while living at home with the help of our reliable respite caregivers.

7. Blueberries

It is no secret that blueberries are vital for health and wellbeing. Blueberries are rich in antioxidants that help fight the free radicals that cause oxidative stress and result in cognitive decline. Seniors who eat a diet rich in blueberries tend to have better memory retention, learn new information faster, and think more clearly. 

8. Broccoli

The choline in broccoli is believed to trigger the development of new brain cells and neural connections. Choline also helps keep existing neurotransmitters healthy, which leads to better cognitive function and memory. Broccoli also contains vitamin K, a natural blood thinner that can make it easier for blood to reach the brain.

9. Crab

Crab provides phenylalanine, which is essential for the production of the neurotransmitter dopamine. It promotes the production of certain hormones that stimulate brain function, and it is also an excellent dietary source of vitamin B-12, which fights dementia.

10. Curry

The typical curry contains a number of ingredients that promote brain health. The turmeric used to give the dish its yellow color contains curcumin, which helps create brain cells, clear amyloid plaques, and keep Alzheimer’s disease at bay. Most curries also contain chickpeas, dark leafy greens, and other vegetables that boost brain health.

Recovering from a stroke, managing the symptoms of Alzheimer’s, and a variety of other health-related situations can make it difficult for a senior to continue living at home without someone there to help. Calgary, Alberta, live-in care professionals are trained to help seniors who need 24/7 assistance. With the help of a live-in caregiver, your elderly loved one can maintain a higher quality of life while aging in place. If your elderly loved one needs assistance with daily activities or you need a break from your caregiving duties, call Home Care Assistance at 403-301-3777 today.

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