In the early years of life, the brain forms more than a million new neural connections every second. By the age of 6, the size of the brain increases to about 90% of its volume in adulthood. Then, in our 30s and 40s, the brain starts to shrink; brain shrinkage continues to increase with age. With brain shrinkage comes many of the neurological challenges that are common later in life. Memory loss and forgetfulness are two common struggles for seniors over the age of 65. There are some familiar changes to memory and daily living that can be attributed to brain changes as a normal part of aging:
- Challenges in committing new information to memory
- Difficulty remembering appointments, social plans or to take medications without reminders
- Trouble recalling names, numbers or details
- Inability to multi-task
While some changes to our brains are just a part of growing older, there are ways to take charge of brain health. Making positive lifestyle changes, including getting enough sleep, keeping your brain active and eating a diet that promotes brain health and brain function, is a great place to start!
Food for Brain Health
The brain requires more energy than any other organ in the body. Just like the other organs, the brain requires healthy food with certain vitamins and nutrients for fuel. These nutrients help to build brain structure; enable learning, thinking and acting; and keep cells working the way they should. Key vitamins and nutrients for brain health include:
- Vitamin E
- Vitamin B
- Omega-3 fatty acids
- Choline
- Antioxidants
These vitamins and nutrients help to promote optimal brain function, and they occur in natural foods that are available every day. At Dixon Rehabilitation and Health Care, the on-site chefs prepare snacks and meals filled with nutrition to help support optimal wellness and brain health, while also providing on-site dietitians to help residents manage their unique nutritional needs. Here are some examples of foods that provide the vitamins and nutrients needed to support brain health that are available to residents at Dixon Rehab and in your local grocery store:
- Wild salmon and other fatty fish, such as herring and trout
- Avocados
- Blueberries
- Whole grains, such as brown rice, oats and quinoa
- Chia and flax seeds
Foods that Improve Memory
There are many ways that the foods we eat support brain health. In fact, certain foods actually help to support and improve different functions of the brain. For example, foods like nuts and eggs contain nutrients that support brain development. To help protect the brain from damage, the best foods to eat are fruits, vegetables, tea and coffee. For senior adults and their families who may be concerned about memory loss, these foods are proven to boost memory, mood and alertness:
- Nuts
- Dark chocolate
- Fatty fish
- Blueberries
- Turmeric
- Broccoli
- Coffee
- Oranges
- Green tea
- Pumpkin seeds
- Eggs
At Oakley Courts Assisted Living and Memory Care Community, residents enjoy chef-prepared menus that focus on serving all the favorites, plus providing the nutrition each resident needs to meet his or her health care goals. For many residents with memory care challenges, Alzheimer’s disease or dementia, working with the on-site chefs at Oakley Courts can help create a menu that supports brain health and promotes memory.
Supporting Seniors at Tutera Senior Living & Health Care
At Tutera Senior Living & Health Care, we recognize that, to live your best life, your needs, wants and preferences have to come first. We are committed to:
- Enabling healthy-as-possible outcomes
- Encouraging continued personal growth
- Empowering the ability to direct and control daily living decisions
Each resident’s personal goals and opinions are at the heart of everything we do at Tutera Senior Living. We refer to this as our YOUNITE philosophy – one that is built around you from the very moment you move in and each day after. We get to know your likes, dislikes, goals, dreams and challenges, and we create a unique living and health care experience that is just right for you. Each Tutera Senior Living community offers services, amenities, team members and culture that work together to encourage residents’ independence and to respect their individuality. Tutera Senior Living has communities that offer:
- Independent Living
- Assisted Living
- Memory Care
- Thrive Memory Care
- Rehabilitation & Extended Stay
- Respite Program
- Home Health
Interested in finding a Tutera Senior Living community near you? Our location finder can help you do just that! Have questions about the care, nutrition planning and culture at Tutera communities? Contact us today for answers!
