The Connection Between Nutrition and Cognitive Health
Age UK tells us that “Evidence is now accumulating that supports a link between diet and brain processes such as our thinking, or cognitive, skills.” It has long been recommended that eating certain foods is better for our health than others, such as a diet rich in omega-3 fatty acids, flavonoids, and vitamins including B, D and E. Choline is also said to be beneficial, and can be found in eggs, dairy products, nuts, cod, prawns and canned salmon. Some researchers believe that Choline supplements can boost mood and memory and help with the symptoms of Alzheimer’s disease.
How Diet Affects Brain Function and Dementia Progression
According to the NHS, “a diet that’s high in saturated fat, salt and sugar, and low in fibre, can increase your risk of high blood pressure, high cholesterol, becoming overweight or obese, and type 2 diabetes.” These are all risk factors for developing Alzheimer’s disease.
Nutritional Deficiencies Common in People with Dementia
The Mediterranean Diet, rich in antioxidants and low in sugar and fat, has long been heralded as a healthier regime. Eating lots of fruit and vegetables is said to “protect against some of the damage to brain cells associated with Alzheimer’s disease,” according to Age UK.
The Role of Hydration in Cognitive Wellbeing
A study “assessing the cognitive function and hydration status of 1,091 people over age 65 found that dehydrated individuals were at higher risk for dementia.” This is because the human brain is 75% water and cells will degrade without sufficient hydration and nutrition.
Nutritional Challenges in Dementia Care
Encouraging someone to eat and drink sufficiently is one of the ways that a Helping Hands carer can make all the difference to the life of someone living with dementia. It can be difficult for loved ones to be around all of the time to know whether the person is eating and drinking, relying instead on asking them and risking getting an unclear answer.
Appetite Loss and Sensory Changes
Sometimes, appetite can be affected by dementia, meaning that someone may think they’ve already eaten, or may not remember that they need to. They may not feel hunger either or recognise what hunger signals represent so may not feel the need to eat.
Swallowing Difficulties (Dysphagia)
A fear of choking may mean someone deliberately avoids eating and drinking. It’s important to provide food in a consistency that is palatable and in small enough amounts that encourages them to attempt eating meals.
Managing Mealtime Anxiety
Having a carer attending at meal times or living in their home means that there is someone who can spend the time gently encouraging them, eating and drinking together, so that the person can mirror the carer’s behaviour
Variety is the key to increasing food intake. People can eat 50% more if there is variety. Try using these principles with everyday meals: offer a variety of tastes, textures, colours and smells and serve the food on the right crockery and in a comfortable environment. We train our dementia carers to use these methods to great effect.
Caroline Deakin | Our in-house nutritionist
Building a dementia-friendly diet plan
“It’s important to remember that people with dementia don’t need a special diet,” says the Alzheimer’s Society. “There is no evidence that certain foods or supplements slow down or treat dementia.” However, if you are struggling with what types of food to provide for someone who is worried about choking or has difficulty swallowing, consulting with their GP or a dietitian can offer valuable suggestions.
Key nutrients that support brain health
While there’s currently not enough evidence that omega-3 will reduce a person’s risk of developing dementia, “it is often said that fish is ‘brain food’ and there is good evidence that eating fish, which contains omega-3, is good for your health,” says the Alzheimer’s Society.
Sample meal ideas for dementia-friendly nutrition
Omega-3 fatty acids can be found in oily fish such as salmon, mackerel, and sardines. Plant-based sources like chia seeds, flaxseeds, seaweed, soybeans and walnuts are also beneficial. Finger foods that can be eaten with one hand may also encourage someone to eat little and often.
Creating familiar, appealing, and easy-to-eat meals
Tempting the person with their favourite foods, prepared in a way that will encourage them to eat, may help to promote their emotional as well as physical wellbeing. Keeping calm around someone who won’t eat is also important, giving them plenty of time and not trying to hurry them.
How Helping Hands Supports You With Dementia Care
Our carers dedicate themselves to helping people living with dementia to live as well as possible at home. This includes encouraging them to eat and spending quality time supporting their nutrition and hydration. This includes cutting up food into small pieces and showing them how to use adapted cutlery. They’re also experienced in dementia care with plenty of ideas around how best to support their mealtimes, such as using coloured crockery that contrasts with other tableware. This will show food clearly and allow the person to easily see what’s in front of them. They’ll make sure distractions are kept to a minimum so that all of their attention will be on their meal, and keep everything in their eyeline. By eating in front of the person the carer will encourage ‘mirroring’, where the person copies the carers movements bringing food or drink to their mouth.
To discover more ways that we’ll support your nutrition and hydration, call our friendly customer care team or contact us online.
