If your loved one has been diagnosed with dementia, regardless of the specific disease causing it, you may have noticed some changes in their ability and desire to eat. As their condition progresses, it’s normal for them to experience greater difficulty chewing and swallowing. For this purpose, there are certain foods to avoid with dementia, especially if you are looking to improve the overall quality of life for your loved one. We share more with you about these foods below.
Processed Meat
We all know that processed meat isn’t good for us, but because of how convenient it is to eat and prepare, you may opt for the easy way out sometimes. For individuals with dementia, processed meat is better avoided as they contain nitrosamines. Nitrosamines trigger the liver to produce a certain type of fat that’s damaging to the brain and cause it to develop insulin resistance. Besides processed meat, nitrosamines can also be found in cigarettes and certain brands of beer.
Margarine
This one may come as a bit of a surprise as margarine has been promoted as a healthier alternative to butter for years. However, margarine is highly processed and contains a lot of additives as well as trans fats, including diacetyl. Diacetyl is associated with Alzheimer’s disease as it allows beta-amyloids to clump together more easily. To replace margarine during meal preparation, consider using nut butter for spreading on bread and coconut or olive oil for cooking and baking.
Soda
Many of us know soda to be “empty calories” and full of sugar, but individuals with dementia should avoid it in particular. Did you know that profound changes can occur to the brain if soda is consumed consistently for a prolonged period? It’s easy to provide healthier alternatives to soda, such as herbal teas and fruit juices.
Monosodium Glutamate (MSG)
This additive is added to many different types of food, such as potato chips, to enhance flavor and preserve freshness for longer. You may not even be aware that you are consuming foods with this ingredient in them. MSG has been linked to Alzheimer’s disease, coming with the potential to amplify symptoms. It also serves to overstimulate the nervous system and cutting it out of their diets would be in your loved one’s best interests.
Discovery Commons At Bradenton Provides Three Nutritionally Balanced Meals Daily for Our Residents
If you have considered finding a residential memory care community for your loved one but are worried their nutritional needs won’t be met, consider Discovery Commons At Bradenton. Not only can our in-house team accommodate the individual dietary needs of each resident, taking into account any chewing or swallowing difficulties, active participation will also be encouraged during mealtimes, which take place in a quiet and peaceful environment. In addition, residents who tend to wander or have trouble focusing can benefit from our “Food on the Run” program, giving you peace of mind on all scores.
