Your diet has a huge impact on your brain health. Numerous studies show that healthy diets are linked with improved cognitive outcomes in seniors.
Unfortunately, there’s lots of misinformation out there. How can you know what to eat when every website, book, and magazine says something different? Eating a brain-healthy diet doesn’t have to be complicated. Follow this guide for optimal brain function as you reach your later years in assisted living facilities. The Mediterranean Diet: What Is It, and How Does It Help? The “Mediterranean Diet” is gaining popularity in the world of medicine and nutrition. Research shows that adults who follow this pattern of eating have reduced risks of age-related health problems later in life. Whole Foods The Mediterranean Diet includes mostly whole fruits, vegetables, and healthy grains. Meat and fish are treated as a side dish rather than the main element of each meal. Studies have shown that this reduces your risk for health problems over time. The key to following this diet is to avoid processed, refined foods as much as possible. It’s best to eat food grown from the earth whenever possible. Healthy Fats You can eat dietary fats and still follow the Mediterranean Diet. However, your fats should come from healthier sources, like olive oil and fish. The Mediterranean Diet doesn’t include many saturated or trans fats, which are often found in the packaged foods you see at the store. Protect Your Brain: Anti-Inflammatory Eating Habits The Mediterranean Diet works so well in part because it reduces the amount of inflammation in your body. Your body generates an inflammatory response when you consume unhealthy fats, refined carbs, and added sugars. High levels of inflammation are associated with autoimmune diseases and cognitive disorders like Alzheimer’s disease. Inflammation in your brain can negatively impact your mood, cognitive functioning, and lifespan. Whole, unprocessed ingredients do not contribute to inflammation. In fact, they can actually reverse some of the inflammation you already experience. Certain spices, like turmeric, have beneficial anti-inflammatory properties. Avoid Sweets Seniors in assisted living facilities should be extra careful to avoid meals and desserts with lots of added and refined sugars. Blood sugar problems can lead to obesity, diabetes, and other health problems as you age. Of course, enjoying your favorite treats once in a while isn’t harmful. However, if you make cookies and candy a regular part of your diet, you may experience inflammation and increased blood sugar. This is bad news, especially for diabetic seniors in assisted living facilities. Cut out added sugar as much as possible to enjoy better cognitive health for years to come. Your Guide to Eating for a Healthy Brain If you’re concerned with your brain health, you should keep this guide in mind as you make daily food choices for yourself. Focus on whole, unprocessed foods and enjoy sweet treats in moderation for optimal brain health.
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While most of us love to snack, nutritionists say making poor choices can impact our overall diet and negate the effort we make with healthy breakfasts, lunches and dinners. Lauri Wright, chair of the Department of Nutrition & Dietetics at the University of North Florida, explains snacks should not only satisfy hunger but add to our nutritional intake. Moreover, keep in mind data suggests up to a quarter of our daily calories come from snacking.
Add to that while our metabolism decreases around 2 percent as we age and we require 150 fewer calories per day each decade after age 20, our nutritional needs do not. Snacking on foods high in sugars and sodium can contribute to a steady weight gain over the years. Nutritionists recommend consuming foods low in calories but filling, and to limit yourself to around 100 to 150 calories. Afternoon snacks high in protein such as yogurt or low-fat cottage cheese allow you to feel fuller longer. Studies found those who ate high-protein snacks rather than crackers or chocolate ate up to 100 fewer calories at dinner. Fiber is another component to smart snacking. Wright explains, “Fiber aids digestive health and can assist us with blood sugar control and lowering cholesterol.” Good snacks high in fiber include almonds, unsalted soy nuts, berries, carrots with hummus, and whole grain crackers. Sugary cookies and candies are loaded with calories and neither fill you up nor add to your daily nutritional intake. Dietary recommendations include avoiding sugar, fried foods and processed foods, which have been shown to trigger fat tissue inflammation, an indicator of heart disease, and worsen arthritis inflammation. For trusted assisted living or memory care, we encourage you to consider MorningStar of Happy Valley. Along with beautiful private suites, we offer residents resort-style amenities and services as well as a range of activities, wellness programs and nutritional, tasty meals. We believe food is a healing medicine unlike any other and is one of the great joys of living, especially when enjoyed within a community setting. The dining service at MorningStar is under the direction of our own Executive Chef. Residents enjoy seasonal menus that are prepared largely from scratch and are modified to accommodate low sodium, sugar free, no sugar added, vegetarian and low-fat choices so that residents can self-manage any dietary restrictions. MorningStar also makes it a priority to use foods that have been recognized by the medical community to support brain health and have a high concentration of vitamins, minerals, antioxidants, and anti-inflammatory compounds. Contact us or visit our website for more information. MorningStar takes tremendous pride in the reputation we have earned for excellence and authenticity since our inception in 2003. We believe the human capacity to grow, to learn and to contribute is ageless; and we act upon that truth daily, as we care for, inspire, and love the residents under our roof. Contact us to learn more about the finest assisted living and memory care in Happy Valley, Oregon. Source: aarp.org/health/healthy-living/info-2019/5-ways-to-snack-smarter.html A National Institute of Health survey found patients who were most satisfied with their healthcare were those engaged in self-advocacy. This included a person becoming knowledgeable about their injury and health care needs; and being persistent about speaking up for those needs. The NIH also explains those who felt better about their experience practiced communication skills, were organized, talked to peer mentors and kept a positive attitude.
Research shows practicing self-advocacy, or when a family member actively advocates on the behalf of a loved one, reduces medical errors in hospital settings, doctors’ offices or at the pharmacy. It is important as the World Health Organization reports “an estimated 10% of patients in high-income countries are harmed while receiving hospital care.” Also according to a 2021 report in StatPearls, “medical errors result in about 100,000 deaths in hospitals and clinics annually.” Most errors are related to diagnoses, prescriptions and use of medicines; and misdiagnoses means delayed treatment and taking the wrong medicines. To ensure the best care you need to be honest with your healthcare provider. This includes providing an account of your symptoms and a list of current prescriptions, over-the-counter medications, herbs, supplements and vitamins you take. Be sure to let them know if you have any drug allergies and provide as complete a medical history as you can including your personal medical record as well as that of your family’s. In addition let your medical team know if you are a smoker and the amount of alcohol you consume. Additionally remember the time you spend with your doctor is short, so prepare beforehand the things you wish to discuss. The Johns Hopkins Armstrong Institute Center for Diagnostic Excellence at Johns Hopkins Medicine in Baltimore has a QuestionBuilder app available by AHRQ at Google Play or the Apple store to guide you in questions you should ask. Experts also say to remember you and your doctor are a team. Being your own health advocate or that of a loved one means helping them follow the medical advice recommended by the doctor regarding diet, rest, exercise, smoking and alcohol use and taking meds as prescribed. If you are looking for senior living, please visit MorningStar of Happy Valley. We provide area seniors trusted assisted living and memory care with a wide array of amenities, care services and wellness programs and activities. Please visit our website. Source: webmd.com/healthy-aging/aging-health-advocate#1 Information on what constitutes a healthy diet continues to evolve as researchers discover more and more about the human body and how it reacts to the food we consume and the way it affects the aging process. Not too long ago, medical professionals touted diets low in fat and high in carbohydrates. Now newer studies emphasize the role protein plays in our overall health and the importance of eating healthy proteins.
Experts say the best proteins should contain vitamins and minerals. Cesar Sauza, clinical nutrition manager of health education and wellness at AltaMed Health Services in Los Angeles, explains his "top go-to protein foods sources are fatty fish like salmon, tuna and sardines.” A 3 oz. A serving of tuna steak contains 24 grams of protein and salmon 17 grams of protein. Fatty, cold water fish also contain omega-3s; fatty acids that help maintain eye and brain health as well as heart and circulatory health. Omega-3s DHA and EPA are linked to brain and cardiovascular health. Another item back on the menu is eggs. Cage-free eggs are a good source of protein (one egg has 6 grams), fairly inexpensive, easy to prepare and provide several essential vitamins and minerals including vitamin A, vitamins B2, B5, B6 and B12, folate, phosphorus and selenium. Bean and legumes are other easy ways to get your daily dose of protein and are rich in fiber, vitamins and minerals, and antioxidants. They can help you lose weight as they contain a carbohydrate known as “resistant starch," that like fiber, is hard to digest and makes us feel fuller longer. Other healthy suggestions for protein include low-fat dairy products. Along with the probiotic benefit, Greek yogurt has almost twice the protein as regular yogurt along with calcium and is typically fortified with vitamin D. Nuts and seeds are also loaded with protein, vitamins and minerals. Dieticians say if you eat meat, concentrate on lean meat and avoid processed ones like bacon, ham, deli meats, and hot dogs. MorningStar of Happy Valley represents the finest in senior living with a distinct mission statement: “to honor, to serve, to invest.” With a foundation built on honoring God, valuing all seniors and selecting staff with a felt calling to serve, we are honored to create a true “home” for residents. Please visit our website to learn more about exceptional assisted living in Happy Valley. Source: health.usnews.com/wellness/food/slideshows/top-healthy-protein-rich-foods?slide=3&src=usn_nl_yourhealth&utm_campaign=Your%20Health-Sun%20Dec%2005%2007%3A49%3A18%20EST%202021&utm_medium=email&utm_source=Sailthru&utm_term=Your%20Health In addition to the types of food we eat, dieticians say it is also important to pay attention to portion size when attempting to shed a few pounds as it will help us reach our goal. When trying to diet, sticking to nutrient-dense, relatively low-calorie foods such as vegetables, fruits, whole grains, lean meats and poultry are your best choices; but no matter how healthy a food is, you still should not over consume.
This is where portion control plays a part. Amy Gorin, a plant-based registered dietitian and owner of Plant-Based Eats, a collection of curated meal plans, grocery lists and nutrition tip sheets, explains that whole foods like almond butter and dark chocolate are good for us, they should be eaten in moderation and in proper portions. In other words, the bottom-line is a large chocolate bar should not be consumed in one sitting. However, to complicate matters, experts explain that in many cases, strictly following portion sizes suggested on the container would differ from what a registered dietician would recommend. The problem with across-the-board portion sizes is they do not address age group, gender, and activity level of the particular person. Add to that, portion size is a critical component to actually losing weight especially in foods that are higher in calories. Also eating the right amount of food helps to maintain a balanced gut. The Harvard Health Men’s Watch, suggests “a healthy gut microbiome stimulates the body’s immune system and may shield against an array of chronic diseases, including: cancer, heart disease and Rheumatoid arthritis.” At MorningStar of Rio Rancho, we provide residents comfort, security, built-in companionship, and predictable budgeting. Our beautiful home provides assisted living and memory care with a broad range of amenities and services to meet every need including a nutritional, delicious dining service. Contact us or visit our website to see what sets our community apart from other seniors living in Rio Rancho, NM. MorningStar of Rio Rancho provides the very best in assisted living and memory care with our distinct mission statement “to honor, to serve, to invest.” Our foundation is built on honoring God, valuing all seniors and selecting staff with a felt calling to serve to create a true “home” for residents. Visit our website to learn more about the finest senior living in Rio Rancho, NM Source: health.usnews.com/wellness/food/articles/portion-control-what-you-should-know Along with all of the health concerns regarding COVID-19, medical experts remind the general public that the best defense against contracting the flu is to get an annual flu shot. The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) says while wearing a mask is “an important preventive measure against airborne viruses such as the flu, there is no guarantee that they will prevent transmission completely.” So even if you are wearing a mask whenever you are out in public and/or unable to socially distance, experts stress you should still get vaccinated against the flu.
Part of the reason flu spreads so easily is a person can be contagious anywhere from 1 day before and up to 7 days after the individual is symptomatic, which means the spread of influenza can occur before the person is aware they have the virus and for days thereafter. Moreover, the flu can be transmitted indirectly by coming into contact with infected surfaces. Therefore, some of the same procedures we have adopted with COVID-19 such as regular hand washing and sanitizing shared surfaces will help reduce the spread. Also, mask wearing is not a guarantee against the transmission of the flu but can help reduce community spread. The CDC recommends everyone 6 months and older should get a flu shot appropriate for the person’s age and health status (with some exceptions) every season. For the most up-to-date medical advice, please talk to your health care provider about the flu vaccination. If a loved one requires help with daily personal care activities or is suffering from Alzheimer’s disease or another form of dementia, we invite you to learn more about the finest memory care and assisted living Beaverton, Oregon offers. MorningStar of Beaverton defines health and well-being holistically and backs it up with an array of services and programming that supports the whole person: mind, body and spirit. Please see our website for more information. MorningStar of Beaverton’s mission statement of “to honor, to serve, to invest” sets us apart from other senior living communities. We have built a foundation on honoring God, valuing our seniors and selecting staff with a felt calling to serve. Set in a warm, loving atmosphere with beautiful surroundings and resort-style amenities, we provide the finest memory care and assisted living Beaverton, Oregon offers. There are some legal problems unique to older adults that many attorneys are not equipped to provide accurate advice about such as Medicaid, Social Security or disability claims, trusts or estate planning, or issues regarding long term care. When an elderly person requires the services of an attorney to protect their financial interests or to solve legal issues, experts recommend hiring an elder law attorney who specializes in advocating for the elderly and their loved ones.
The FindLaw website explains, “Most elder law attorneys handle a wide range of legal matters affecting an older or disabled person, including issues related to health care, long term care planning, guardianship, retirement, Social Security, Medicare/Medicaid, and other important matters.” However, remember that as with all attorneys, elder law attorneys also specialize in specific areas of the law so look for one that has the expertise you need. Many families find it makes good sense to hire an elder attorney to protect and preserve their loved one’s assets when they sell their home to move into an assisted living or memory care community. This is a case where you would want to find one that specializes in financial and estate planning. The elder attorney also can assist with legal issues that arise with the actual care of the senior including helping to sort out supplemental and long-term health insurance problems. An elder attorney can draw up a durable power of attorney as well as draft a living will, living trust or other advance directives, or set up conservatorships and guardianships. They can help answer questions regarding nursing home resident rights and other patient rights, To find an elder law attorney, experts recommend asking friends, family members or other business connections for referrals. Findlaw.com says you can check online and read through websites or use their online attorney directory. MorningStar at Englefield Green brings a unique vision to senior living with our mission statement “to honor, to serve, to invest.” Our foundation is built on honoring God, valuing all seniors and selecting staff with a felt calling to serve. We are dedicated to creating a true home within an ideal setting and invite you to schedule a tour to see firsthand our exceptional memory care. Source: elder.findlaw.com/what-is-elder-law/what-does-an-elder-law-attorney-do-.html Studies have suggested a connection between diabetes and Alzheimer’s disease but researchers do not yet fully understand the connection. Moreover while not all of the research has confirmed a link, researchers say that people with diabetes, especially type 2, appear to be at higher risk for eventually developing Alzheimer’s or other forms of dementia.
One of the things not yet known is whether taking steps to prevent or control diabetes helps to reduce your risk of cognitive decline. However we do know that one of the complications of diabetes is damage to the body’s blood vessels as well as the fact that diabetes is one of the risk factors for vascular dementia, which causes a reduced or blocked blood flow to the brain. Scientists first suspected a connection between Alzheimer’s and diabetes when they realized that the changes in the brain were very similar; and it has been hypothesized that each of these conditions may fuel the damage caused by the other. With new research, experts hope to get a better understanding of the connection between the two diseases. “That link may occur as a result of the complex ways that type 2 diabetes affects the ability of the brain and other body tissues to use sugar (glucose) and respond to insulin.” We also know that diabetes increases the risk of developing mild cognitive impairment (MCI), which may eventually lead to full blown dementia. In addition, MCI can also appear years earlier in people who later are diagnosed with Alzheimer’s disease. At MorningStar at Englefield Green, a memory care unit in Boise, our loving community was specifically designed to serve the needs of those suffering from Alzheimer’s disease and other forms of dementia. As dementia specialists, we recognize that the essence of the person still exists – our job is to find ways to connect with that essence regardless of the level of memory loss. Please contact us for more information. MorningStar at Englefield Green brings a unique vision to senior living with our mission statement “to honor, to serve, to invest.” Our foundation is built on honoring God, valuing all seniors and selecting staff with a felt calling to serve. We are dedicated to creating a true home within an ideal setting and invite you to schedule a tour to see firsthand the best memory care unit in Boise, ID. Source:mayoclinic.org/diseases-conditions/type-2-diabetes/in-depth/diabetes-and-alzheimers/art-20046987 At MorningStar at Englefield Green our unique approach to memory care is designed to nurture, support and respect the essence of the individual regardless of the level of memory loss. Our team leverages the power of art, music, dance, and aromatherapy as well as uses animals to heal and comfort residents while we take into account each person’s uniqueness.
Studies have shown that “therapy dogs and other animals can stimulate social interaction and ease agitation in dementia patients.” However, experts caution that it “takes specially trained pets to bring the full benefit of animal therapy into elder care settings.” Animals must be matched to the right situation and to the right human, and typically dogs have been the easiest to train as they remain comfortable interacting with a variety of people. Therapists say that animal therapy may be beneficial to dementia patients because the person sees the animal as someone they can interact with without worry. Animal/people relationships do not require good communication skills that can be difficult for many people with dementia. In addition to encouraging social interactions and reducing agitation, animal therapy has also been shown to increase physical activity. Many patients get pleasure from playing with a dog, taking it for a short walk or helping to groom it. Another unexpected benefit of bringing animals and Alzheimer’s patients together is it seems to improve the person’s appetite after the animal’s visit. From the moment you step through MorningStar at Englefield Green’s door, you will discover a warm and welcoming atmosphere that feels like a true home. Please contact us to learn more about what sets MorningStar apart from other Alzheimer’s care homes. The mission statement of MorningStar at Englefield Green, “to honor, to serve, to invest,” sets us apart from other Alzheimer’s care homes. Our foundation is built on honoring God, valuing seniors and investing in a staff with a felt calling to serve, and offers loving, compassionate care in a beautiful residential setting. We encourage you to schedule a tour to see for yourself the finest memory care in Boise. Source: everydayhealth.com/alzheimers/how-animal-therapy-helps-dementia-patients.aspx Along with fall’s changing leaves and cooler temperatures, it also signals the start of the flu season, which means you need to start thinking about getting your annual flu shot. The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) recommends that everyone 6 months of age and older gets a seasonal flu vaccine each year by the end of October.
The flu season begins to increase in October, and typically peaks between December and February but can last as late as May. Also as it takes about two weeks after your vaccination for the protective antibodies to develop, it is important to get it early in the season. These antibodies provide protection against infection with the various viruses that are in the vaccine. The CDC stresses it is especially important for people 65 years and older to get a flu shot as they are at greater risk for serious complications that can result in hospitalization and, in some cases, even death. This is because seniors’ immune systems are generally weaker than those of younger adults. Complications of flu can include: bacterial pneumonia, ear infections, sinus infections and worsening of chronic medical conditions, such as congestive heart failure, asthma, or diabetes. The CDC also recommends people 65 years and older get a flu shot approved for their age group and not a nasal spray vaccine. Additionally you need to know that last year’s flu shot will not protect you from this season’s flu virus. Not only has your immunity from last year’s shot started to wane, but each year the viruses change so you need the protection of the new antibodies. The flu shot you receive this year has been designed to protect against the flu viruses that researcher have determined will be the most common in the 2019- 2020 flu season. MorningStar of Fountain Hills offers a lifestyle of comfort, wellness and community. Please visit our website to learn more about our exceptional assisted living and memory care. At MorningStar of Fountain Hills, we exemplify the very best in senior living with our unique mission statement of “to honor, to serve, to invest.” Our foundation is built on honoring God, valuing all seniors and selecting staff with a felt calling to serve…all of which contributes to creating a true home for residents amid a beautiful, serene setting. Please call to schedule a visit to see firsthand the finest assisted living and memory care in the area. |
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