Alzheimer's disease is a degenerative brain disease resulting in progressive loss of brain function. Approximately 5 million people in the United States currently have Alzheimer's, according to the University of Maryland Medical Center (UMMC). Because the risk of Alzheimer's increases with age, the number of affected individuals is expected to rise as the population ages. Good nutrition may help prevent Alzheimer's and is important for people who have the disease.
Antioxidants
Free radicals are unstable molecules that can damage cells. They occur as byproducts of normal biological functions and through exposure to environmental toxins. UMMC cites research that shows free radicals may contribute to Alzheimer's disease. Antioxidants are known to help prevent free radical damage. Antioxidants are found in richly colored fruits and vegetables, such as cantaloupe, berries, carrots, sweet potatoes and dark green leafy vegetables. They are also found in whole grains, nuts and beans. Getting antioxidants from foods is preferable to taking supplements, because supplements do not contain the variety of antioxidants or other nutrients found in food.
Omega-3 Fatty Acids
Omega-3 fatty acids have been shown to benefit the brain. UMMC reports that adequate omega-3 may lower the risk of dementia, including Alzheimer's. Omega-3 fatty acids are found in cold-water fish, such as tuna, salmon and mackerel. They also are found in nuts, seeds and oils made from nuts and seeds. Fish oil supplements can provide omega-3s if enough cannot be gotten in food.
Fat, Sodium and Weight
High blood pressure, high cholesterol and poorly controlled diabetes increase the risk of developing Alzheimer's disease, according to MayoClinic.com. Reducing intake of saturated fat and sodium, along with maintaining a healthy weight, can help control or prevent these problems, reducing the risk of Alzheimer's. It is important that these disorders be prevented or controlled in people who have Alzheimer's to avoid compounding their health problems.
Swallowing Difficulties
People with Alzheimer's often develop problems swallowing food and liquid, which can lead to choking. The Alzheimer's Association suggests that caregivers serve soft foods, such as scrambled eggs and cottage cheese, and puree food or cut it into bite-size pieces. Avoid giving hard-to-chew foods, such as raw vegetables. Liquids can be thickened, making them easier to swallow without choking.
Considerations
People with Alzheimer's can become confused if faced with too many food choices, so feed only one or two foods at a time. The Alzheimer's Association also suggests serving foods the person likes and giving them time to eat, as they may be slow. Encourage the person to eat independently as long as possible by serving finger foods and providing utensils such as large-handled spoons instead of forks. Be creative in getting nourishing food into them. For example, add vegetables such as spinach and tomatoes to scrambled eggs, or make patties of mashed beans, rice, shredded carrots and egg. Provide variety to stimulate appetite.
