Eating well is especially important for seniors who become more susceptible over time to the effects from aging and symptoms of illnesses that afflict the elderly. Seniors often battle loss of appetite, challenges in cooking healthy foods for one, and other health-related obstacles. These challenges affect their overall health and wellbeing which allows them to continue living independent lives in their own homes. For these reasons, it is critical seniors consume healthy foods and snacks that promote good health. A doctor should be consulted before making any diet changes,

With these challenges in mind, Comfort Keepers® has researched what experts advise are the top 10 best foods for health. Many of these foods take little or no time to prepare and can be added to existing diets to add nutritional components that promote better heart health.

1. Berries and grapes: While blueberries are a number one choice because they contain high levels of antioxidants, other berries such as raspberries, strawberries and even red grapes are beneficial. Add a handful of berries to your morning cereal, or munch on grapes for a healthy snack.

2. Fish: Salmon, mackerel and tuna are good sources of omega-3 fatty acids. Experts advise having fish at least twice a week for maximum benefits.

3. Whole grains: Choose breads, cereals, oatmeal, pasta and even snack crackers made of whole grains to reduce risk of heart disease and other chronic diseases.

4. Soy: Daily servings of soybeans like edamame, tofu, soy milk and yogurt are excellent sources of soy protein, linked to reduced risks of cardiovascular diseases, weight loss, and some types of cancers.

5. Nuts: Almonds, walnuts and pecans as daily snacks can reduce the risk of blood clots and may facilitate healthy arterial lining.

6. Olive oil: Olive oil contains a healthy type of fat that, when consumed in moderation, may help reduce risk of heart disease and promotes lower cholesterol levels.

7. Beans and lentils: Packed with protein, beans and lentils also contain levels of magnesium, iron and potassium that can support muscle and organ function, blood flow, and healthy bones. Choices of beans include chickpeas, kidney beans and black beans, all of which can be added to salads or soups. Red and green lentils are also excellent choices to add in soups.

8. Fruits and vegetables: Think color. Dark leafy green, deep reds, yellows and oranges found in spinach, cooked tomatoes, squash and oranges are some choices. Daily intake of these foods has been linked to lower blood pressure, reduced risk of heart disease, and possible decreased risk of some cancers, along with lowered risk of eye diseases and digestive issues.

9. Yogurt: Yogurt containing live and active cultures is considered a probiotic by scientists. Research shows probiotics are connected with lowering some risk factors for cardiovascular disease.

10. Tea and coffee: Flavonoids found in both may reduce heart disease. Studies found that those who drink 3-6 cups of green and black tea or 2-4 cups of coffee a day are at lower risk for heart disease. However, go easy on the sugar added to these beverages to avoid complications sugar may cause!

Good heart health does not depend on food alone. Physical exercise, not smoking and other factors are crucial to maintain healthy heart function. Being aware of bodily changes during the aging process plays a large part in maintaining overall good health. Seniors should also visit their doctors regularly to ensure early detection of any issue that may involve the heart.

^{References:
Zelman, Kathleen M., MPH, RD, LD. 5 heart healthy foods. Retrieved on December 16, 2001 from http://www.webmd.com/heart-disease/features/5-heart-healthy-foods.
Mayo Clinic (2011). Heart healthy diet: 8 steps to prevent heart disease. Retrieved on December 16, 2011 from http://www.mayoclinic.com/health/heart-healthy-diet/NU00196.
Zelman, Kathleen, M., MPH, RD, LD. Top 10 heart healthy foods. Retrieved on December 16, 2011 from http://www.webmd.com/diet/features/top-10-heart-healthy-foods.
Mayo Clinic (2011). Whole grains: hearty options for a healthy diet. Retrieved on December 16, 2011 from http://www.mayoclinic.com/health/whole-grains/NU00204.
Mayo Clinic (2011). Nuts and your heart: eating nuts for heart health. Retrieved on December 16, 2011 from http://www.mayoclinic.com/health/nuts/HB00085.
Mayo Clinic (2011). Olive oil: what are the health benefits? Retrieved on December 16, 2011 from http://www.mayoclinic.com/health/food-and-nutrition/AN01037.
Harvard School of Public Health. The nutrition source – vegetables and fruits. Retrieved on December 16, 2011 from http://www.hsph.harvard.edu/nutritionsource/what-should-you-eat/vegetabl….
Oprah.com (2005). Dr. Perricone’s number 10 superfood: yogurt and kelfer. Retrieved on December 17, 2011 from http://www.oprah.com/health/Yogurt-and-Kefir-Dr-Perricones-No-10-Superfood.
Boyles, Salynn. WebMd (2010). Tea, coffee drinkers have lower heart risk. Retrieved on December 17, 2011 from http://www.webmd.com/heart-disease/news/20100618/tea-coffee-drinkers-hav…
Cespedes, Angela. Livestrong.com (2011). What are the benefits of eating beans and lentils? Retrieved on December 17, 2011 from http://www.livestrong.com/article/479593-what-are-the-benefits-of-eating-beans-lentils/.}

Well, actually you could be wrong. Studies regarding memory loss in seniors indicate that instead of being a sign of simply aging, short-term memory loss could be a symptom of the effects of hypertension or high blood pressure. Hypertension causes damage to blood vessels, resulting in plaque and other tissue buildup, which can break free and move with blood flow only to get trapped in smaller vessels. This blockage can cause clots that prevent blood filled with oxygen and nutrients from traveling to the area of the body it supplies. If clots or other blockage prevent oxygen from reaching cells in the brain responsible for memory, those cells die, inhibiting that function.

There are well-known conditions caused by hypertension such as stroke, aneurysm, heart and coronary artery disease. While the effects of these conditions can contribute to complications of decreased blood flow throughout the body, vital brain cell loss can occur without your enduring a stroke or another critical health event. The crucial connection that needs to be acknowledged here is that when brain cells governing memory die due to lack of blood flow – regardless of the cause – the result is potential damage to your brain.

Research indicates this loss of blood flow can cause other diseases to occur. Vascular dementia, one cause of dementia, may very well be caused by decreased or lack of blood flow to the brain. In fact, studies indicate that people who have hypertension in their middle-aged years are at increased risk for developing dementia as they age. Mild cognitive impairment, the shift in memory and comprehension that begins in the elderly and is also typical of complications of Alzheimer’s, can also be caused by the effects of arterial damage prohibiting blood flow.

Hypertension often goes undiagnosed for years, especially in people who do not have regular medical check ups. Memory loss due to hypertension alone is caused by detrimental elements that progress over time, decreasing or halting blood flow to parts of the brain that are critical to its proper function. Brain cells can slowly die due to lack of blood flow, causing a person to experience subtle changes in memory and other cognitive functions. For this reason, any changes in memory that occur as you or your senior family member transition into the golden years should not be ignored.

High blood pressure can be detected by a simple blood pressure check, which can often be performed at machines now available in local drug stores. If you suspect you or the senior loved one in your life may be at risk, it is well worth a trip to find out. Keep in mind, however, that while a trip to the store is more convenient than a visit to the doctor, it is still important to seek medical advice for proper diagnosis and treatment.

^{References:
Mayo Clinic (2011). High blood pressure dangers: effects of hypertension on your body. Retrieved on December 10, 2011 from http://www.mayoclinic.com/health/high-blood-pressure/HI00062.
Kirchheimer, Sid (2003). Short-term memory slightly worse in those with hypertension.
Retrieved on December 10, 2011 from http://www.webmd.com/hypertension-high-blood-pressure/news/20030923/high….
John Hopkins Medicine (2011). How does hypertension affect memory? Retrieved on December 10, 2011 from http://www.johnshopkinshealthalerts.com/alerts/hypertension_stroke/memory_hypertension_3838-1.html?ET=johnshopkins:e44738:1259471a:&st=email&s=ESH_110301_001}

If you live in a colder climate, though, it is a challenge to find fresh produce year round, but all is not lost. By knowing what fruits and vegetables are in season at any given time in your region, you can maximize your enjoyment as you eat your way around the calendar, savoring fruits and vegetables right when they’re at their tastiest and most nutritious.

You can discover what’s in season anywhere in the country at any time of year by visiting Epicurious.com and clicking on its interactive Seasonal Ingredient Map For instance, select March and click on Missouri: asparagus and spinach. Or click on March and Georgia: cabbage, carrots, collard greens, kale, lettuce, mushrooms, radishes, spinach and turnips. Sustainabletable.org offers a similar tool for finding seasonal produce around the U.S.

Produce that travels hundreds or thousands of miles does not provide the just-picked flavor and nutrition of produce grown close to home. To make the long trip, produce has to be picked before it is had a chance to ripen. And since nutritional value comes by way of the stem of a living plant, fruits and vegetables harvested before their time do not gain the maximum nutritional value of fresh, locally grown produce. Nutritional value decreases even further every day after harvest.

Look for locally grown produce at farmers’ markets. Some supermarkets also promote regionally grown food when available.  When shopping at a supermarket, look for seasonal fruits and vegetables that have been shipped the shortest distance. For example, if you live in the East or Midwest, opt for fruits from the Gulf Coast. Or if you live in the West, choose produce grown in Southern California or Arizona.

In addition to providing nutritional advantages, buying fresh, locally grown produce in-season helps eliminate environmental damage caused by transporting food across country – and food dollars go directly to local farmers, promoting your local economy.

A growing share of produce is being grown hydroponically—without soil—in greenhouses, breaking free of the limitations of climate and making fresh produce available year-round, even in the coldest regions of the country.

You can also extend the availability of fresh produce through canning and preserving. County extension offices and Web sites like Allrecipes.com offer valuable information and guidance on canning and preserving.

A University of Chicago Medical Center study published in the Dec. 24/31, 2008, issue of the Journal of the American Medical Association stated that more than half of American seniors take five or more medications or supplements. The study further found that at least one in 25 older Americans—about 2.2 million—take drugs in potentially harmful combinations.

The problem of medication interactions does not involve only prescription medications. The study found that about half of the interactions involved over-the-counter (OTC), or nonprescription medications.  Herbal medications, supplements and vitamins—and even some foods and beverages—also interact with drugs to alter their performance.

The following are just a few examples of how nonprescription products can interact with prescription drugs for unhealthy results:

• Taken separately, aspirin and warfarin help prevent blood clots from forming. Taken together, they may cause excessive bleeding.
• Decongestants, found in many OTC cold remedies, may increase blood pressure of people taking anti-hypertension medications or MAO inhibitors, a type of antidepressant.
• Certain antacids can diminish the effectiveness of many medicines, such as antibiotics and heart medications, by preventing them from being absorbed into the blood stream.

The National Council on Patient Information and Education (NCPIE) recommends knowing the active ingredients in the medicines you take. For instance, OTC pain relievers commonly contain one or more of four different pain relief ingredients—aspirin, naproxen, ibuprofen and acetaminophen. A number of prescription and OTC multi-symptom cold and flu medicines contain these same active ingredients.

Clients should avoid combining medicines with the same active ingredients as this could lead to an overdose of the ingredient.

Food can also alter the effectiveness of medication. NCPIE cites examples:

• Dairy products, antacids and vitamins containing iron can slow the body’s absorption of antibiotics into the bloodstream and thus diminish their effectiveness.
• Grapefruit and grapefruit juice block enzymes that metabolize certain drugs, thus making them less effective. Drugs affected by grapefruit include some blood pressure-lowering medications, some cholesterol drugs, the antihistamine terfenadine, and cyclosporine, a drug taken to prevent organ transplant rejection. Pomelo and Seville oranges can cause similar effects.

If you do not know whether any of your medications interacts with foods, ask your doctor or pharmacist.

Some Ways to Prevent Interactions

On its Web site, BeMedWise.com, the NCPIE provides advice on preventing drug interactions, such as: 

• Give each of your doctors a complete list of all the prescription and OTC drugs, herbal products and supplements you are taking
• Read and follow label directions exactly, taking no more than the recommended amount
• Ask a doctor or pharmacist any questions you may have about a medication before taking it
• Choose an OTC medication that will treat only the symptoms you have
• Be cautious when taking more than one OTC drug concurrently as they may contain the same active ingredients, giving you more than the recommended dose
• Do not combine nonprescription drugs, herbal medicines, vitamins or supplements with prescription medications without consulting your doctor
• Do not use medicines after their expiration date
• Use the same pharmacy for all prescriptions to avoid being given medications that have adverse interactions
   

Music. A universal language that transcends culture, race and religion, and also, research shows, weaves its way through the seemingly insurmountable barriers of memory loss in those who suffer dementia and Alzheimer’s disease.

Those who have loved ones suffering from dementia know how hard it is to watch the mental deterioration that the disease causes. Your mother may forget not just your name, but who you are. Your father is unable to feed or groom himself because he cannot remember how. Your grandmother may lose years of memories regarding who and where she is. Your grandfather does not speak because he does not remember words he has spoken all his life. Those with severe dementia forget what happened not only in years past, but yesterday, and even five minutes ago. Often, they repeat words and questions, become lost in their own homes and suspicious or scared of loved ones they cannot remember. In turn, they become frustrated, agitated and detached from their surroundings. Some require round-the-clock care because they cannot cook, clean, or remember to take medication or go to the bathroom. People with severe dementia are unable to interact with anyone on the simplest terms, which is not only hard for them, but crushing to their families and friends.

Dementia affects parts of the brain that allow one to perform and remember many basic aspects of life. However, studies show there is one area in the brain, the medial prefrontal cortex, not affected by dementia until perhaps its very late stages. It is this area of the brain that governs our emotions and other sensory abilities. This part of the brain recognizes music, remembers melodies and songs, and recalls feelings those songs caused…even if those feelings were invoked long ago. This finding was helpful in moving the use of music to the forefront of activities of those suffering dementia.

Studies have shown that, during participation in activities involving music, dementia patients remember words to songs of their pasts and sing along, when moments before they could not speak a complete sentence. Some break into broad smiles of remembrance and even move with the beat. Others remember and begin speaking of events that happened within the time period of that song. Caregivers notice that music soothes agitated patients and makes them more receptive to getting dressed, eating or brushing their teeth.

One of the most exciting roles music plays is the facilitation of interaction between caregivers and people suffering dementia. Listening to music provides an avenue of activity that interests the patient when before there was none. Respite care providers such as Comfort Keepers^® find music a valuable tool in establishing relationships with the people they care for. Listening to music together is a great way for the Comfort Keeper to bond with patients, laying the foundation for trust that is vitally important. Music establishes common ground, providing a fun activity for both.

The fact that music increases the levels of socialization in dementia patients is profound.  This has a direct effect on the quality of life of the dementia sufferer, and also for family members and friends, as listening to music provides a unique way to communicate and spend quality time with loved ones. After all, the simple things in life often mean the most.

Seniors who eat alone have a higher chance of becoming under- or mal-nourished.  They often do not eat a proper diet or enough of the foods provided for them.  That is why it is important to slow down, sit a while, enjoy the meal, and have a good conversation with the senior in your life.  Not only will companionship at the dinner table make mealtime more enjoyable for seniors, but it can also stimulate appetite—helping to insure they get proper nutrition for good health and independence.

In addition to sitting down and eating with seniors, preparing a meal can be just as important. When you prepare a meal together, you also provide your loved one mental stimulation that is essential to health and independence—as you strengthen your bond together. This time together also provides the opportunity to observe how the senior is getting along and if he or she may need additional help around the house.

The professional caregivers of Comfort Keepers^® do all of these things, providing this same type of stimulation to seniors through Interactive Caregiving^®, our unique system of care that engages seniors mentally, physically, socially and emotionally to improve their quality of life.

Here are a few more tips to help make mealtime for your loved one more enjoyable:

• For a senior who has difficulty cooking, prepare foods in quantity and package them in appropriately-sized portions to freeze and eat later.  Keep a list of what is in the freezer or refrigerator on the door; it is easier to plan a meal when your loved one knows what he or she has available
• Take a senior grocery shopping to help him or her make well-balanced, nutritionally-rich purchases
• Coordinate a neighbor or friend for the senior to eat with on a regular basis, if you are unavailable
• Make sure seniors have a comfortable place to eat; set out a nice placemat and linen napkin, or fresh flowers
• Help the senior to join or start a potluck dinner club with friends

You may not always be able to provide meal companionship to a senior in your life, but helping find friends to eat with them, assisting in preparing meals, or providing a caregiver like a Comfort Keeper^® to shop, prepare meals, and eat with your senior, can help your loved one stay healthy and nourished.

Advance directives are legal documents that describe in writing your preferences for life-saving and sustaining medical care. They speak for you when you cannot –for instance, if you are in a coma. Advance directives come in two primary forms and can be prepared by anyone age 18 and over, serving to guide family members and doctors when you cannot make your own health care decisions. You do not have to have a lawyer to complete advance directives, but you do need to sign them in front of required witnesses.

What are the differences in advance directives?

• A living will is a legal document that enables you to declare your wishes to receive or to have withheld life support procedures when permanently unconscious or terminally ill and unable to make informed decisions. Living wills also are referred to, in some states, as a health care declaration or health care directive.
• A durable power of attorney (POA) for health care is a legal document in which you designate a trusted individual—your “agent”—to make medical decisions for you when you are unable. Do not confuse this with a financial power of attorney, which authorizes someone to make financial decisions for you when you are incapacitated. The POA can grant broad or specific powers to the agent. In your POA you can specify the treatments you would or would not want to receive.
• A do not resuscitate (DNR) order sometimes supplements advance health care directives. Placed in a patient’s medical chart, a DNR is usually used by people who are already critically ill and feel strongly against use of life-prolonging measures.

Access To All States’ Advance Directive Forms

All states have advance directive laws, but they vary. It is important to complete and sign advance directive forms designed for your state.

Caring Connections, a program of the National Hospice and Palliative Care Organization (NHPCO), offers online access to advance directive information and forms from all 50 states.

Caring Connections advises:

• Not all states honor other states’ advance directives, so it is a good idea to complete advance directives for all states where you spend a significant amount of time.
• Advance directives remain in effect until you change them.
• Review your advance directives periodically to make sure they still reflect your wishes.
   

Wandering is a risk associated with many conditions, such as autism, Down syndrome, and dementia — which itself can result from Alzheimer’s disease, stroke, head injuries, and Parkinson’s disease.

Whatever the condition, the anxiety for caregivers is the same. It can become overwhelming. You may jump out of bed at every creak in the night, worried that your mom has walked out of the house. You may no longer take your son with autism to the mall, because losing sight of him for even a split second is so terrifying.

Of course, no one can watch another person every second of every day. We’re only human, and even the best and most-dedicated caregiver can’t fully prevent wandering. But by following some of the tips below, you can boost your loved one’s safety. What’s more, you can feel a lot more confident and a lot less anxious.

1. Secure your home. To prevent wandering, you may want to install new locks on your doors and windows that your loved one can’t open easily. If you can put them high up, they’re less likely to be noticed or reached. Depending on your situation, you may also need to install bars on windows. Buying motion detectors can alert you when someone opens an outer door. A simpler solution to prevent wandering: Hang bells on the doorknobs.
2. Make sure the person always carries ID. It won’t prevent wandering, but making sure your loved one has ID at all times is crucial. Keep in mind that keeping an ID in a person’s wallet isn’t enough, because he could remove it, either deliberately or accidentally. Medical ID jewelry – like a bracelet or pendant – is a good idea. You could also consider sewing identification into your loved one’s jacket. Another option: temporary tattoos. They’re available in kits and give basic information about the health condition along with space for your phone number.
3. Dress your loved one in bright clothing. If it’s reasonable and your loved one doesn’t mind, consider dressing her in clothing that’s easy-to-see from a distance. This can be a good way to prevent wandering if you’re planning to be in a crowd.
4. Put up a fence. It can be expensive, but putting up a fence – with secured gates — can prevent wandering while allowing your loved one a way to get some fresh air.
5. Use radio tracking devices. Bracelets or other jewelry with radio transmitters can be a big help. Some are short-range and designed so that caregivers can monitor the person themselves. Some sound an alarm on both the bracelet and a base unit when the person gets too far away. Others are services that charge a monthly fee and use devices to pinpoint the person’s location. The company can track her and will work with local law enforcement, or the organization Project LifeSaver, to get her back to you.
6. Know your neighbors. Introduce your loved one to your neighbors so they get to know his face. Tell them that he’s prone to wandering and that they should let you know if they see him out by himself. Give neighbors a number where you can be reached. The more explicit you are, the better – many people are naturally inclined not to get involved.
7. Put up signs. Sometimes, just hanging a sign on the door to the outside that says “Stop” or “Do Not Enter” can be enough to prevent your loved one from wandering. By the same token, consider putting signs on other doors — like the one to the bathroom — so he can see which door leads where, and he won’t accidentally wind up outside.
8. Increase physical activity. This advice doesn’t apply to everybody. But some experts believe that getting physical activity during the day can help prevent wandering at night. Even a supervised walk around the block before dinner may be enough to reduce nighttime agitation.
9. Focus on sleep hygiene. Some conditions linked with wandering are associated with poor sleep quality. Wandering itself could result from sleeplessness. So do what you can to practice good sleep hygiene with your loved one. As much as you are able, get her on a regular schedule of going to bed and waking up. To help prevent wandering, reduce napping during the day and cut out caffeinated drinks.
10. Consider if there’s an underlying cause. In many cases, a loved one’s wandering may not have a reason. But sometimes, caregivers come to understand that there’s a motive behind it and figure out ways to prevent wandering. If a parent with dementia becomes agitated and wanders at night, maybe it’s initially triggered by something simple – being thirsty or hungry. Leaving a glass of water or a few crackers by the bed could help. A child with autism might have a fixation with certain sounds or objects and tend to wander off to investigate them. If you can predict what will attract his attention, you may be able to avoid situations in which wandering is a real risk.

Emergencies: What to Do if Your Loved One Wanders

If your efforts to prevent wandering haven’t worked and your loved one has wandered off, what should you do? Your natural reaction will probably be to run outside and frantically search in any direction.

But experts say that the first thing you should do is call 911 to alert the authorities. If your loved one is registered with organizations like Project Lifesaver or the Alzheimer’s Association Safe Return program, you can call them too. Once you’ve done that, you can start looking yourself.

WebMD Medical Reference

SOURCES:

Geraldine Dawson, PhD, chief science officer, Autism Speaks; research professor, department of psychiatry, University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill.

Beth Kallmyer, MSW, director of client services for the national office, Alzheimer’s Association, Chicago, IL.

Alzheimer’s Association: “MedicAlert and Safe Return.”

AlzOnline: “Wandering and Dementia.”

Down Syndrome Association of Queensland Inc: “Strategies for Children with Down Syndrome Who Wander.”

National Sleep Foundation: “Sleep and Alzheimer’s Disease.”

Pathfinders for Autism: “Plan Your Response to an Autism Emergency.”

Project Lifesaver International: “How it works.”

Reviewed by Brunilda Nazario, MD on April 22, 2009

How Do I Cope With My Memory Problems?

To help cope with memory problems:

• Always keep a book with you to record important information, phone numbers, names, ideas you have, appointments, your address, and directions to your home.
• Place sticky notes around the house when you need to remember things.
• Label cupboards and drawers with words or pictures that describe their contents.
• Place important phone numbers in large print next to the phone.
• Ask a friend or family member to call and remind you of important things that you need to do in the day, like meal times, medication times, and appointments.
• Use a calendar to keep track of time and to remember important dates.
• Use photos of people you see often labeled with their names.
• Keep track of phone messages by using an answering machine.

 What’s the Best Way to Plan the Day?

In planning your day:

• Find things to do that you enjoy and are able to do safely on your own.
• It will be easier to accomplish tasks during the times of the day when you feel best.
• Allow yourself the time to do the things you need to do, and don’t feel rushed or let other people rush you.
• If something gets too difficult, take a break.
• Ask for help if you need it.

How Do I Avoid Getting Lost?

To keep from getting lost:

• Ask someone to go with you when you go out.
• Ask for help if you need it and explain that you have a memory problem.
• Always take directions for where you’re going with you.

What Will Make Communicating Easier?

Communicating with others will be easier if you:

• Always take your time, and don’t feel rushed.
• If you need to, ask the person you’re speaking with to repeat what he/she is saying or to speak slowly if you do not understand.
• Avoid distracting noises, and find a quiet place to talk.

What About Driving?

Driving can be of particular concern for Alzheimer’s patients. Here are some things to consider:

• Have someone else drive you where you need to go.
• If you tend to get lost or confused easily, consider alternative modes of transportation.
• Drive only in areas that are familiar to you.
• Contact organizations like the Alzheimer’s Association to learn what local transportation services are available.
• The Department of Motor Vehicles will assess your driving skills if you’re not sure whether you should drive.
• At some point, it may no longer be safe for you to drive.

How Do I Take Care of Myself at Home?

To make sure you are well taken care of at home, put some of these measures into place early so they become routine:

• Local Alzheimer organizations or your doctor will be able to tell you how to get help with things like shopping, housekeeping, meals (including home-delivered meals), and transportation.
• Ask a neighbor you trust to keep a set of house keys.
• Ask a friend or family member to help you to organize your closets and drawers to make it easier for you to find things.
• Ask a family member to check things out around the house, such as electrical appliances, mail, and perishable food items.
• Keep a list of important and emergency numbers by the phone.
• Have family, friends, or a community service program call or visit daily to ensure that everything is all right.
• Ask someone to check your smoke alarm regularly.

How Do I Maintain My Responsibilities?

• Arrange for direct deposit of checks, such as your retirement pension or Social Security benefits.
• Inform your bank if you have difficulty keeping track of your accounts and record keeping. They may provide special services for people who have Alzheimer’s.

It is important to realize that at some point, it will become too difficult or dangerous for you to live by yourself. But, in the earliest stages of the disease, many people do manage on their own — with support and help from friends, family, and community programs and with simple adjustments and safety practices in place.

WebMD Medical Reference

SOURCES:

Alzheimer’s Association: “10 Tips for Keeping Your Independence,” “Daily Care.”

National Institute on Aging: “Caring for a Person with Alzheimer’s Disease.”

Reviewed by Brunilda Nazario, MD on October 10, 2011

A well-balanced, heart-healthy diet—rich in fruits, vegetables and whole grains—reduces plaque build-up in the arteries to deliver a free-flowing stream of oxygen to all parts of the body, including the brain. This boosts mental performance, slows the aging process and lowers the risk of dementia.

Nutritious eating benefits the brain in many ways. Here are a few examples:

• Some vitamins—particularly folate and B12—help prevent the inflammation that causes plaque to narrow arteries, which can lead to heart attack and stroke, which can diminish cognitive function. Folate comes from cooked, dry beans, peas, peanuts, oranges and orange juice, dark-green leafy vegetables like spinach and mustard greens, fortified cereals and enriched grain products. B12 is in salmon, trout, beef, poultry, cheese, eggs and fortified cereals.
• Antioxidants—such as vitamins A, C and E and nutrients lutein, lycopene and selenium—promote brain health. Good sources include dark-skinned fruits and vegetables. Vegetables include: kale, spinach, brussels sprouts, alfalfa sprouts, broccoli, beets, red bell pepper, onion, corn and eggplant. Fruits high in antioxidants include prunes, raisins, blueberries, blackberries, strawberries, raspberries, plums, oranges, red grapes and cherries. Almonds, pecans and walnuts also are good antioxidant sources.
• Some minerals boost brain function. Iron—from organ meats, beef, pork and most legumes—supports focus and concentration. Zinc—from beef and other meats, oysters, whole-grain bread and soybeans—sharpens verbal memory, helping you recall words.
• Omega-3 fatty acids in fatty fish, such as salmon, trout, halibut, mackerel and tuna, help build gray matter, promoting intellectual performance. WebMD reports that one study found that healthy adults who ate the most omega-3 fatty acids had the most gray matter in brain areas that regulate mood. Among cooking oils, canola and walnut oil, are the best sources of omega-3s. On the other hand, a diet high in saturated fats can raise the risk for Alzheimer’s disease.

Maintaining a healthy body weight—through healthful diet and exercise—is essential to heart and mind. The Alzheimer’s Association reports that a long-term study of 1,500 adults found that those who were obese in middle age were twice as likely to develop dementia. And those who also had high cholesterol and high blood pressure were six times at greater risk of dementia.