Research Suggests Diet Plays an Important Role in Cognitive Health

Research suggests diet plays an important role in protecting seniors’ cognitive health. A Rush University Medical Center study reports older adults may benefit from following the MIND diet even when they develop abnormal clumps of proteins, a hallmark of Alzheimer's disease, known as amyloid plaques and tangles.

The MIND diet is a hybrid of the Mediterranean and DASH (Dietary Approaches to Stop Hypertension) diets. The Mediterranean diet is based on regions around the Mediterranean Sea and relies on plant-based foods, such as whole grains, vegetables, legumes, fruits, nuts, seeds, herbs, spices and olive oil. DASH is a heart-healthy diet based on whole grains, vegetables, fruits, fish, poultry, beans, nuts, and vegetable oils. It limits sugars and foods high in saturated fats.

The Rush Alzheimer's Disease Center's ongoing Memory and Aging Project began in 1997 and has followed 569 participants for several decades. In 2004, participants were asked to include the foods they consumed from the MIND’s 15 dietary components, such as 10 “brain-healthy food groups” and five unhealthy groups. Annual evaluations and cognitive tests were administered to assess memory and cognitive problems. Klodian Dhana, MD, PhD, lead author of the study, says, "Some people have enough plaques and tangles in their brains to have a postmortem diagnosis of Alzheimer's disease, but they do not develop clinical dementia in their lifetime." He adds that our study suggests the “MIND diet is associated with better cognitive functions independently of brain pathologies related to Alzheimer's disease.”

MorningStar at Golden Ridge’s goal is to provide the best in senior living, which is why mealtime is both a social event as well as the opportunity to eat healthy, delicious foods. We recognize that good nutrition is especially important to the wellbeing of seniors, which is why meals are prepared largely from scratch and feature the freshest ingredients from high-quality producers, locally sourced when possible. In addition, we are committed to using BrainWise foods which have been recognized as supporting brain health by their high concentrations of vitamins, minerals, antioxidants and anti-inflammatory compounds. Please contact us or visit our website for more information about MorningStar’s independent living, assisted living and memory care in Peoria, AZ.

MorningStar has considered it a privilege and responsibility to “cast a new light” on senior living, inspired and empowered by our unique mission: to honor, to value, to invest. Our passionate commitment to serving seniors has proudly earned us a reputation for satisfaction that is second to none. Contact us for more information about independent living, assisted living or memory care in Peoria, AZ.

Source: sciencedaily.com/releases/2021/09/210921172721.htm