Dementia is quite common among the elderly population, and its high incidence has attracted widespread attention. Understanding the causes of this disease is crucial for effective treatment. Dietary adjustments can be an auxiliary method to improve the condition. Here are some recommended ingredients for promoting brain health.
Millet is a nutritious food, containing Vitamin B, tryptophan, and glutamate, which have a significant nourishing effect on the brain. Regular consumption of millet congee can provide essential nutrients for the elderly, slow down brain function decline, and thus reduce the risk of developing the disease.
Spinach is rich in iron and various vitamins, with excellent anti-aging effects. Consuming spinach can to some extent resist brain function decline caused by oxidation and be beneficial for alleviating and preventing dementia.
Daylily, though not favored by everyone, has significant nutritional value. It not only improves vision and calms the nerves but also has diuretic and alleviating effects on dementia. The amino acids and vitamins in daylilies have a significant nourishing effect on the brain, suitable for dementia patients to alleviate symptoms.
Walnuts, known as brain-boosting food, are rich in easily absorbable linolenic acid, which promotes the generation of brain cells and contributes significantly to maintaining brain health.
Oats are known as the “grain for the brain,” containing various minerals such as Vitamin B, potassium, and zinc, promoting memory and cognitive abilities. The beta-glucan in oats can reduce cholesterol, decrease the risk of heart disease, arteriosclerosis, and stroke, which are potential factors of dementia.
Ophiopogon japonicus is a powerful tonic that not only nourishes Yin and moistens the lungs but also benefits the stomach, nourishes the body fluids, calms the mind, and aids in improving symptoms like memory decline. However, it should be consumed with caution by those with diarrhea.
When it comes to the causes of dementia, education background and frequent engagement in mental activities are believed to enhance brain flexibility and promote synaptic formation, which may explain why individuals with higher education levels have relatively lower incidence rates. In addition, regular aerobic exercise and a positive emotional state are also considered key factors in maintaining brain health.
As for the symptoms of dementia, they may manifest as subtle changes in personality in the early stages, such as excessive suspicion and mood swings. Memory loss, especially forgetfulness of recent events while recalling remote memories vividly, is another characteristic of the disease. Patients’ comprehension and judgment gradually decline, leading to situations like dressing inappropriately for the season or difficulty in keeping up with conversations. Getting lost is also common, and developing an unusual interest in old items is one of its signs.
Early recognition of these symptoms is crucial, not only to help patients receive better care and treatment but also to effectively mitigate the negative impacts of the disease. Therefore, if similar signs are noticed, prompt medical attention should be encouraged to implement appropriate intervention measures. Through dietary adjustments and maintaining an active physical and mental state, we can collectively strive to prevent dementia and safeguard precious memories and cognitive abilities.
