The Link Between the Mediterranean Diet and Lower Risk for Dementia
Memory loss, confusion, and difficulty concentrating are some of the signs and symptoms of dementia. But scientists say there is a way to decrease your risk of developing such cognitive decline. By eating a Mediterranean diet, you could decrease your risk for developing dementia or prevent it entirely.
When someone has dementia, memory, language, understanding and judgment can all be affected. It’s a fact that you are more likely to develop dementia as you get older, but certain lifestyle factors have a huge influence on reducing that likelihood. One of the most influential is good nutrition, especially the “Mediterranean Diet”.
A Mediterranean Diet is rich in vegetables, fruit, fish and grains. It contains large amounts of fat from vegetable sources, such as olive oil and nuts. Such a diet contains a lot of antioxidants and has anti-inflammatory nutrients, both of which are good for your brain. It’s also protein-rich, which also helps prevent inflammation.
If you are concerned about dementia, start with diet, but don’t stop there! Regular exercise, avoidance of smoking, and staying mentally active through professional or social pursuits are all significant ways to keep your brain sharp. The good news is that most of these activities are fun and enjoyable.
About the Author:
Lorenzo Mejia and his wife, Mary Lynn Ryerson, are the owners of Acorn, a caregiver registry located in Chapel Hill.
They founded Acorn based on their experiences caring for his mom, who suffered with Alzheimer’s Disease. In 2013, he became a Qualified Dementia Care Specialist. In 2014, the Alzheimer’s Foundation named him the Dementia Care Professional of the Year in the United States.
Lorenzo is the founder of Dementia Friendly Orange County an effort to make local businesses more accommodating to people with dementia.
Lorenzo speaks often on dementia and the challenges associated with caring for loved ones. He has been interviewed by ABC News and National Public Radio. He is an advisor to Orange County’s OC-CARES Dementia Capable Community Project.
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