Dementia: Five Dietary Guidelines to Help Manage Symptoms

By Esther Dacamay

Although there is no cure for dementia, the effects of dementia could possibly be reversed if diagnosed and treated in its earliest stages. Much of the treatment has to do with diet.

The elderly are the most vulnerable to this disease as they have a greater risk of being malnourished or lacking certain essential vitamins and nutrients. Therefore, diet plays a major role as this is the foundation for which our body builds its defenses against viruses, ailments and degenerative diseases. In addition, it is imperative that an accurate diagnosis of this disease is made before any medications are prescribed.

Here are the top five dietary guidelines to ward off the effects of this debilitating disease.

1) Low Fat, High Fiber - Eat a diet that is low in saturated fat and high in fiber. Reduce or eliminate saturated fats from daily meals, but also ensure that you are receiving adequate essential fatty acids, especially the omega-3s. Incorporate a good dietary regimen with an emphasis on a high-fiber diet that stresses fresh fruit and vegetables, sprouts, seeds, nuts, pressed oils, millet, brown rice, oat bran, whole grains, fish and low-fat foods.

2) No Processed Food - Any food that comes in a box really can't be considered food. In addition, foods such as hot dogs and sausages are really processed foods. These are very bad for the body. Instead, implement the benefits of foods that actually resemble their 'natural" state. Organic foods contain live enzymes that are very beneficial to the body. Furthermore, it is important to implement foods high in antioxidants into your diet. These include zinc, selenium, carotene and flavonoids. There is a simple saying to help you remember; live food - Live body, dead food - dead body.

3) Get Smart! - It's important to feed the neurotransmitters in your brain. Acetyl-choline is synthesized in part from choline, abundant in such foods as soy, chlorophyll-rich foods especially, also in whole grains, egg yolk, lecithin, beans and liver.

4) Protein - Having a breakfast rich in protein is highly beneficial. A whey smoothie or soy smoothie can contain lecithin and ground flaxseed. To achieve mental acuity, partake in a high protein lunch comprised of a salad and a tuna or salmon sandwich. To enjoy a relaxing, restful night's sleep, try utilizing a high protein dinner comprised of spaghetti made from brown rice with ground turkey and a low sat sauce.

5) Keep It Broad - A low-calorie diet of 1500 " 2000 is best. Select your nourishment from a broad cross-section of foods to include fruits, vegetables, legumes, nuts, seeds and whole grains (brown rice, soy beans, oats, millet, buckwheat). In addition, take a high-potency multiple vitamin on a daily basis in order to prevent nutrient depletions that are associated with this debilitating disease. - 17269

About the Author:

Esther Dacanay is a highly regarded writer and editor for various websites and magazines. She is a featured writer on Clivir.com where she shares her knowledge about Dementia Types Overview and What is Vascular Dementia on Clivir.