Nutrition and Alzheimers Disease

Is there a connection?

Recent studies have shown a diet rich with fruits and vegetables can help prevent Alzheimer's disease and may improve memory. We have learned over the years how fats can build up in our blood vessels and lead to heart disease, but now research has shown this same fat can build up in your brain. This can interfere with the blood flow to the brain.

People who eat more plant based foods such as fruits and vegetables have a lower risk of developing Alzheimer's Disease. Dr. Neal Barnard has a great Ted Talk on this called Power Foods for the Brain. It is only 17 minutes long and has some great information on Alzheimer's Disease and nutrition. I hope you find it as interesting as I did.

Neal Barnard Ted Talk

It seems that when our mothers were telling us to eat our vegetables, they were on to something.

Nursing tip of the month

As the Alzheimers progresses, the appetite declines. They will eat and drink less. The result of that is weight loss and dehydration.

Dehydration can lead to increased confusion, fast heart rate, low blood pressure, low urine output, and constipation.

Someone in the middle or late stage of Alzheimers is not able to recognize they are thirsty or can't tell you they are thirsty. So it is important you are able to recognize the signs of dehydration.

Your goal is to prevent dehydration and avoid the issues that come along with dehydration.

The signs of dehydration are dark urine, dry skin, dry mouth, and fatigue.

Many people keep a cup with a lid, filled with water close by the person with Alzheimers and encourage frequent drinks.

If they are a tv watcher, commercial time is a good time to cue your loved one to take a drink.

Many fruits are full of water and can help meet their fluid needs.

The taste for sweet is often the strongest taste bud, so you may need to sweeten their drinks. There are many drink mixes available that use artificial sweeteners that will work if they are a diabetic.


Remember encouraging fluids to your loved one frequently throughout the day is the number one way to help prevent constipation and urinary infections!

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