Lee Tuchfarber is the CEO of Renew Senior Communities, LLC, which operates assisted living locations in Glenwood Springs and Aurora, CO. A champion of innovative caregiving, Lee Tuchfarber ensures that seniors receiving memory care have a menu tailored to improve their brain health and cognitive functionality.
Cognitive decline affects many seniors. While there is no magic pill to stop it, there are foods that can strengthen the brain, helping residents keep what they have for longer in old age.
These foods include fruits and vegetables, which are rich in vitamins and anti-oxidants. Specifically, leafy green vegetables, such as spinach, collards, kale, and broccoli, contain the nutrients folate, lutein, vitamin K, and beta carotene, which are good for the brain.
Blueberries and red/purple cabbage are good sources of polyphenol phytonutrients, which have been shown in numerous studies to prevent cognitive decline. Fatty fish, such as salmon, tuna, and cod, are also good for brain health. They contain omega-3 fatty acids, which have been shown to reduce the formation of beta-amyloid, which is at the root of Alzheimer’s disease. Walnuts are another good source of omega-3 fatty acids and brain-enhancing alpha-linolenic acid.
Medical professionals have found that foods that help the heart also benefit the brain. Specifically, whole plant foods, such as beans, peas, and whole grains, contain fiber that flushes out cholesterol, improving blood flow to vital organs, including the brain.
Cognitive decline affects many seniors. While there is no magic pill to stop it, there are foods that can strengthen the brain, helping residents keep what they have for longer in old age.
These foods include fruits and vegetables, which are rich in vitamins and anti-oxidants. Specifically, leafy green vegetables, such as spinach, collards, kale, and broccoli, contain the nutrients folate, lutein, vitamin K, and beta carotene, which are good for the brain.
Blueberries and red/purple cabbage are good sources of polyphenol phytonutrients, which have been shown in numerous studies to prevent cognitive decline. Fatty fish, such as salmon, tuna, and cod, are also good for brain health. They contain omega-3 fatty acids, which have been shown to reduce the formation of beta-amyloid, which is at the root of Alzheimer’s disease. Walnuts are another good source of omega-3 fatty acids and brain-enhancing alpha-linolenic acid.
Medical professionals have found that foods that help the heart also benefit the brain. Specifically, whole plant foods, such as beans, peas, and whole grains, contain fiber that flushes out cholesterol, improving blood flow to vital organs, including the brain.
