Following a healthy diet can preserve brain health and increase mobility for seniors living with Alzheimer’s. Vitamins, minerals, and nutrients can slow the progression of the disease and enhance quality of life. Here’s what a healthy meal plan for a senior with Alzheimer’s should include.
Breakfast
Starting the day off with a fruit smoothie, yogurt, oatmeal, or egg dishes can be beneficial for seniors with Alzheimer’s. Fruits such as blueberries are packed with antioxidants that fight against harmful toxins in the brain. When preparing omelets, smoothies, and other breakfast dishes, try to incorporate as many leafy greens as possible. Vegetables such as spinach and kale contain high levels of vitamins A and C, which are nutrients that give the brain the most benefits. If your senior loved one enjoys cereal, use whole grain cereals instead of sugary options that lack brain-boosting qualities.
Aging adults who require assistance with the tasks of daily living can benefit from reliable elder care. Fair Oaks, CA, families trust Home Care Assistance to provide the high-quality care their elderly loved ones need and deserve. Our caregivers are trained to help seniors prevent and manage serious illnesses and encourage them to make healthier decisions as they age.
Lunch
Mealtimes can be intimidating for seniors with Alzheimer’s, especially when there are too many options. When preparing lunch, try to serve only two items. Healthy salads make the best meals for seniors with Alzheimer’s because they’re filling, prevent overeating, and help seniors maintain healthy blood pressure levels. Eating a healthy lunch can enhance brain function and increase independence and longevity. Some healthy choices for lunch include:
• Tuna salad on whole wheat bread
• Vegetarian patties
• Salmon salad
• Quinoa and lentil salad
• Vegetarian soup
• Grilled chicken salad
If you need help planning and preparing healthy meals for your loved one, a professional caregiver can be a great source of support. There are many reasons seniors might need assistance at home. Some may require regular mental stimulation due to an Alzheimer’s diagnosis, while others might only need part-time assistance with exercise and basic household tasks. Home Care Assistance is a leading at-home care provider. Families rely on our expertly trained caregivers to help their senior loved ones maintain a high quality of life.
Dinner
When it comes to side dishes, your loved one’s meal plan should include plenty of whole grains and vegetables. Some options are kale, romaine, chickpeas, kidney beans, brown rice, quinoa, and lentils. Fatty fish provide a large amount of omega-3 fatty acids, which are nutrients that prevent tangles in the brain and increase dopamine production. Your loved one’s weekly meal plan should include tuna, salmon, halibut, and other cold-water fish options. Your loved one can eat meat a few days each week, but he or she should avoid red meats such as sausage, hot dogs, pork chops, and processed meats, which can increase constipation and brain damage, two problems associated with Alzheimer’s. Instead, serve skinless poultry and lean meats.
Beverages
The drinks your loved one incorporates into his or her meal plan should include plenty of water along with gluten-free drinks and low-fat dairy products. Avoiding sugary beverages can boost brain health and lower the risk of dry mouth, which is a serious issue for older adults with Alzheimer’s. You can also purchase organic milk and beverages for more nutrition. However, your parent’s go-to drink should be water when eating meals and snacks. Keep in mind that Alzheimer’s can prevent the body’s signal for thirst from functioning as actively as it has in the past, increasing the risk of dry mouth and dehydration.
Recovering from a stroke, managing the symptoms of Alzheimer’s, and a variety of other health-related situations can make it difficult for a senior to continue living at home without someone there to help. Fair Oaks, CA, live-in care professionals are trained to help seniors who need 24/7 assistance. With the help of a live-in caregiver, your elderly loved one can maintain a higher quality of life while aging in place. To hire a dedicated caregiver, call Home Care Assistance at (916) 485-4663 today.