Dementia is a general diagnosis for a degenerative cognitive condition, which causes memory loss, trouble focusing, speech and language problems, and various other mental and physical symptoms. The most well-known form of dementia is Alzheimer's, although there are many different varieties. To slow down the progression of the disease, or prevent it from occurring all together, you can eat foods to promote better brain health.
Here are 9 healthy foods to help fight dementia:
1. Beets
They are great in a salad, pickled on a sandwich, or served as a buttered side dish. Beets have a unique type of natural forming nitrate in them which increases the amount of blood that is able to reach the brain in a healthy way.
2. Walnuts
When you crack open their shell, you will notice that the content resembles a brain. It may be just coincidence but it is a good way to remember that walnuts are good for the brain. They are packed with healthy fats and vitamin E, which serves to reduce the risk of Alzheimer's and other types of dementia.
3. Eggs
Eggs get a bad rap for having large amounts of cholesterol, but what you might not realize is that yolks are loaded with good cholesterol, not bad cholesterol. They also provide the brain with much needed zinc, which protects the brain from free radicals.
4. Avocado
This creamy, green fruit is full of healthy fats which are known to be beneficial to brain health. It also contains several vitamins, such as vitamin K, B, C, and folate.
5. Kale
Dark, leafy green vegetables, such as kale and spinach, are full of vitamin E and folate. Vitamin E is known to protect the cell membrane tissue in the brain, while folate is critical for proper brain functionality, and is the vitamin proscribed to pregnant women by doctors, so that babies brains form properly.
6. Red Wine
Alcohol is not known to be beneficial to brain health, but one single 5 oz serving of red wine once in a while can reduce the risk of Alzheimer's disease. Studies are still being conducted on why this is so.
7. Fish
Perhaps the best known of all 9 healthy foods to help fight dementia, fatty fish, such as wild Alaskan salmon, are loaded with omega-3s. Omega-3 fatty acids work to promote cell regeneration, reduce inflammation, and lower your risk of arterial buildup, which could cause a stroke.
8. Green Tea
Antioxidant rich green tea gives your brain a small kick of caffeine without going overboard. This helps promote focus and clear brain fog. L-theanine, an amino acid in green tea, also promotes a healthy brain by increasing dopamine production, and shutting down sensations of anxiety.
9. Blueberries
These small dark berries are not only a champion of the breakfast table, but they are also packed full of vitamins and antioxidants, which help to promote a high-functioning immune system, and protect against free radicals. Eat blueberries as a snack, in a salad, or as part of your morning cereal to benefit from all the nutrients they provide.
For more information on these 9 healthy foods to help fight dementia, and other dementia prevention methods, speak to your doctor. There are medicinal and natural treatments which can reduce symptoms and make life with dementia bearable.