Beth Cardillo
When asked, Americans rate Alzheimer’s disease as their second most-feared illness, following cancer, which is why Armbrook Village is a staunch advocate for taking practical steps toward a healthier brain at any age.
We now know that changes and damage in the brain occur decades before any memory loss symptoms appear, so it’s a good idea for everyone to protect and enhance their cognitive health by following a simple brain healthy diet. Armbrook Village practices what it preaches offering “brain healthy cuisine” as part of its dining service for all residents. The community’s “Brain Healthy Cooking Program” was developed by Boston-based Senior Living Residences, the professional management company that oversees daily operations of the community. Senior Living Residences offers a holistic approach, aiming to improve residents’ quality of life on all levels.
Anyone can follow the basic guidelines of the Brain Healthy Cooking Program to promote brain health and lower their risk of Alzheimer’s disease. Several recent large-scale studies found that individuals who follow a “Mediterranean-type diet” (which the Brain Healthy Cooking Program is based on), had a 32-40 percent decreased risk for developing Alzheimer’s disease.
Eat brightly colored fruits. Blueberries and raspberries counteract inflammation in the body, which has been associated with cardiovascular disease and Alzheimer’s disease.
Control blood sugar by reducing high fructose corn syrup and refined sugar. Use stevia, a natural sugar substitute, as well as molasses and brown sugar instead. The hippocampus of the brain, an important region for memory, is sensitive to changes in blood sugar levels.
Spice it up! Spices have amazing protective properties – cinnamon, rosemary, oregano, and turmeric reduce inflammation and increase blood flow, important to brain health.
Eat whole grains, a good source of fiber, magnesium, and iron. Substituting white flour, bread, rice, and pasta for whole wheat varieties will help to maintain weight and reduce your risk for heart disease. Cardiovascular health directly contributes to brain health.
Eat plenty of leafy green vegetables for their high levels of vitamins E, D, and dietary fiber. Eaten on a regular basis, vegetables have a dramatic effect on overall health.
Go Nuts! A handful of nuts a day provide your daily dose of Vitamin E – which is a powerful protector of the brain.
Increase Omega-3 fatty acid intake. Omega-3s are naturally found in your brain. As you age levels of these fats in your body drop, and eating fish, green vegetables, walnuts, and flax seed help to replace the losses and improve transmission of nerve impulses.
Beth Cardillo is the Executive Director of Armbrook Village, a new Senior Living Community offering independent and assisted living and a Compass Memory Support Neighborhood, located in Westfield.
