Comprehensive senior care should focus on healthy nutrition to support wellness in older adults. This is especially true for individuals with dementia, who may benefit from adding specific nutrients to their diets. The MIND diet is a nutritional approach that aims to help reduce the symptoms of dementia—here’s how.

What Is the MIND Diet?

MIND stands for Mediterranean-DASH Intervention for Neurodegenerative Delay. Its objective is to slow declining cognitive health and control symptoms of dementia. It combines principles from the Mediterranean diet and the Dietary Approaches for Stopping Hypertension (DASH) diets, both of which have been linked to reduced risk of serious disease and lower blood pressure. Research also shows that the dietary approach can reduce the risk of Alzheimer’s by as much as 53%, making it a senior care strategy worth considering.

The MIND diet calls for a high intake of vegetables and berries, among other fruits. It also emphasizes whole grains, nuts, olive oil, beans, and lean protein such as fish and chicken or turkey. While followers can eat foods outside of these recommendations, it’s advised to limit intake of heavily processed foods, such as fried foods, red meat, butter and margarine, and pastries. These foods are high in saturated fats, which have been linked to poor cognitive health.

How Can It Help Reduce Dementia?

The MIND diet can reduce inflammation and oxidative stress. Free radicals result from environmental and lifestyle factors, such as pollution and stress. They cause damage on a cellular level, known as oxidative stress, especially in the brain. At the same time, factors such as stress and poor sleep can cause widespread inflammation, which is linked to poor health outcomes. Many researchers believe oxidative stress and inflammation play a role in the development of Alzheimer’s. 

Combining the Mediterranean and DASH diets has been shown to reduce oxidative stress and inflammation throughout the body. The foods prioritized in these plans are rich in antioxidants. For instance, olive oil, green leafy vegetables, and berries have nutrients that protect the brain against damage caused by free radicals and oxidative stress. Therefore, following sound nutrition principles is a good component in any senior care strategy and throughout every life stage to prevent disease.

If you have a loved one with dementia, allow MedStar Home Health Services in St. Louis, MO, to help you find the best caregiver to meet their needs. This service pairs clients with in-home senior care providers, and many specialize in Alzheimer’s care. They can help with a range of tasks, including bathing, grooming and dressing, light housekeeping, and healthy meal preparation. Learn more about their services online, or get in touch with a team member by calling (314) 782-7311.