Lifestyle Treatments For Alzheimer's And Dementia

Maintaining A Healthy Weight

Being obese is often considered a risk factor for Alzheimer's disease. Obesity affects brain health because having to carry around so much extra weight all the time puts a significant amount of strain on the body. This leads to high blood pressure and other factors that can worsen brain damage.

Avoiding being underweight is another key part of maintaining a healthy weight. Underweight seniors tend to get sick easier and struggle to recover from illnesses. The body needs enough nutrition to properly manage every functioning within the body. To keep a healthy weight, it is necessary to calculate total daily energy expenditure. Once you have an idea of how many calories you burn in a day, adjust your intake to either lose, gain, or maintain your current weight. In general, those looking to lose weight should eat foods with a low-calorie density, such as fruit and vegetables, while those who need to gain weight should eat calorie-dense foods like peanut butter or cheese.

Healthy, Balanced Diet

A healthy, balanced diet is a crucial part of Alzheimer's care because the right diet will ensure the brain gets plenty of nutrition. Select foods high in omega-3 fatty acids, such as fatty fish, nuts, and seeds, to help improve overall brain health. A healthy circulatory system will help to provide the brain with oxygen and avoid causing further damage, so it is also a good idea to eat a heart-healthy diet. Try to avoid saturated fats, eat plenty of fiber, and cut back on sodium. This will help to reduce blood pressure, so high blood pressure does not cause more issues.