18 Best Foods That Help Prevent Dementia

‘You are what you eat’. I’m sure you’ve already heard this line a lot of times. And it is very true. For years, medical professionals have been saying that the food that you eat greatly affects your health. So if you eat a well-balanced diet, there is no doubt that you’ll be able to avoid diseases.

In the older population, dementia is prevalent. This is a term that refers to the loss of memory and thinking abilities that interferes with the quality of life of a certain individual, particularly those that are already in their senior years. This may be one of the severe causes of aging, but the good news is, you can reduce the risk by eating healthy foods, such as:

Leafy Greens

In a certain experiment involving senior adults, it has been shown that eating leafy green vegetables can make your brain function 11 years younger. That’s how amazing those greens are. They contain lots of vitamins and minerals that enhance the functioning of the human brain.

Wheat Bread

Carbs are, without a doubt, good for the brain as long as you get them from healthy sources like wheat bread and other whole grains. In fact, according to the MIND diet, you should have at least three servings of this food group every day.

Fish

Fish is another integral part of a healthy diet. Even the regular ones can do wonders for you since they are rich in iodine and iron, which are essential in maintaining your cognitive function. Fatty fish like salmon and mackerel contain high amounts of omega-3 fatty acids, which further help in lowering the risk of health conditions like Alzheimer’s disease.

Nuts

Various types of nuts, such as almonds, pecans, peanuts, and cashews, contain omega-3 fatty acids too. Plus, they are packed with antioxidants. All of these things ward off signs of dementia.

Beans

Beans are strongly recommended by the MIND diet, and you should eat them at least three times a week. They are high in protein and fiber, which are quite useful in keeping your brain sharp.

Blueberries

Studies show that blueberries can positively affect the activity of neurons in the brain. They can help prevent inflammation while improving motor control as well as cognitive functions. These tiny fruits protect the brain from harmful free radicals too.

Cinnamon

Cinnamon contains cinnamaldehyde and epicatechin. Both of these compounds have an inhibitory effect on ‘tau’, a type of protein in the brain. If tau builds up, that can lead to Alzheimer’s disease. This is why it is highly recommended that you incorporate cinnamon into your diet.

Brown Rice

Beta-amyloid, which is another protein in the brain, can cause Alzheimer’s disease and can induce memory deficits. You can avoid this, though, by eating brown rice on a regular basis.

Cauliflower

When the levels of homocysteine increase, cognitive functions decline. Dementia and brain atrophy can be expected to occur. This is something that you need to avoid at all costs. Cruciferous vegetables like cauliflower can help in this case. Thanks to their vitamin B and carotenoid content.

Brussels Sprouts

According to a scientific report, Brussels sprouts can cut the risk of dementia and can make your memory skills sharp instead. They are rich in vitamin K, which is essential in preserving memory and thinking skills.

Broccoli

Just like cauliflower, broccoli is another food item that belongs to the family of cruciferous vegetables, which control the levels of bad tau protein in the human brain.

Olive Oil

Instead of using regular oil when preparing your meals, you should switch to extra virgin olive oil if you want to prevent the development of dementia. This is another item that hinders the accumulation of the protein tau, which is a notorious hallmark of different types of dementia.

Turmeric

Turmeric contains the active compound curcumin, which comes with a plethora of health benefits. One of which is its ability to slow down the onset or progression of dementia-related health conditions. Adding even a little bit of it when cooking your food can benefit you big time.

Oatmeal

Everybody loves to eat oatmeal, especially during breakfast. If you stick to the whole-grains, that’s another way to help prevent dementia. The Whole Grains Council said that this can enhance your cognitive abilities and extend your life at the same time.

Pumpkin

Pumpkins are an excellent source of vitamin A, iron, and folate, which are all linked to improving cognition. To get the best results, you should not overcook your pumpkin.

Dark Chocolate

Eating dark chocolate is one of the healthiest ways for you to enjoy sweets. Thanks to its high cocoa content, it can greatly help in boosting your brain health as well.

Strawberries

Strawberries contain the compound fisetin, which serves as incredible protection against memory loss and other neurodegenerative diseases like Alzheimer’s, Parkinson’s, and Prion among many others.

Acai Berries

This type of berry fruit is loaded with omega-3 fatty acids, which can reduce inflammation in the brain. If you are already in your senior years, you will surely benefit from eating acai berries since they can boost your memory and overall brain function.