Baby Boomers and Dementia

I am seeing more and more Baby Boomers my age get dementia. Is there anything that I can eat or drink that might help prevent me from getting that disease?

There have been a lot of studies done on how highly processed foods that we regularly eat, such as bacon, luncheon meats and basically anything with preservatives, have a negative effect on our cognitive abilities. Start reading the ingredient labels on the foods you purchase and basically anything you cannot pronounce is not healthy for your brain.

The National Institute on Aging recommends that there are foods that are very beneficial for your brain. Fish, especially fatty fish such as salmon, tuna, mackerel and sardines, are high in omega-3 fatty acids which have been linked to a reduced risk of cognitive decline and Alzheimer’s.

While there is not one specific fruit that definitively prevents dementia, berries, especially blueberries and strawberries, have often been cited for their potential to reduce dementia risk. The reason for this is that these fruits are very rich in antioxidants and flavonoids that help protect the brain from damage and improve cognitive function. Many diets specifically recommend these berries for their brain-protective properties.

There are two powerful green leafy vegetables that are shown in studies to have a positive effect on the brain. Spinach and kale came out on the top of the list due to them being rich in nutrients and antioxidants that can help protect brain cells from chronic damage.

As far as drinks are concerned, a new study out of Japan found that green tea and macha decreased dementia by 53.8%. The study was conducted in Japan and had 1,000 participants. The participants that drank green tea or macha two times a day showed these remarkable results. This is a drink that has been used in China and Japan for centuries and science has just now caught up to ancient Chinese and Japanese medicine.

Why are these teas so good for the brain? What they are finding out is that these teas help detangle the amyloid plaque in the brain that is associated with Alzheimer’s. Basically, over time these plaques and neurofibril tangles can accumulate in the brain which they believe is caused by diet, inactivity and low magnesium.

Macha and green tea also have great impacts on your immune system. They contain an amino acid which helps to reduce a stress hormone in your body called cortisol. By reducing stress, it helps to protect your body from oxidative stress damage that can be done to your brain, heart and gut biome.

If you are stressed and not getting a good night sleep, you are putting yourself at risk for getting sick. It is scientifically proven that those who are more stressed are more vulnerable to getting ill. Protect your immune system and your body by drinking green tea or macha.

Dr. Robert Love is a neuroscientist and host of the podcast "Brain Fit." He is a researcher and educator in Miami, Florida, who focuses on helping people prevent Alzheimer’s Disease with the use of science. He prefers macha over green tea.

Macha is the pulverized green tea leaf that you drink versus just steeping a green tea leaf in hot water and drinking the juices from the tea leaves. He believes that macha will give you a higher amount of the amino acid that makes these drinks such a powerful addition to your diet.

I suggest you listen to his podcasts or visit his Facebook page. He has a lot of videos that will help you keep up to date on the latest research on brain health.

One of the worst things you can do to your brain is to drink alcohol. Alcohol damages brain cells and the damage cannot be repaired once it is done. Even one drink a day has a negative effect on cognitive ability and brain health. I hope this is helpful and that you start to make the only brain you have, healthier.

Do you know of any in-person caregiver/dementia support groups? I have been dealing with my husband, whose dementia has declined dramatically in the past year. I would like to get away from home and visit with others, going through the same type of stress.

I facilitate three support groups a month that you can attend in Tulare County.

Quail Park on Cypress, 4520 W. Cypress Ave., Visalia, is always on the third Tuesday of the month from 10:30 a.m. to 12:30 p.m. You do not have to RSVP.

Rocky Hill Community Church, 237 S. E Street, Exeter, is always on the third Monday of every month from 10:30 to 11:30 a.m. It is held in the church house on the left side of the church building. You do not have to RSVP.

First Baptist Church, 469 N. Cherry St., Tulare, is always on the third Monday of the month from 12:30 to 1:30 p.m. It is in room 115. Park in the large parking lot at the back and you will see the 115 classroom from the parking lot. If you have any questions, call me at (559) 737-7443.

There is also an online support group that I can give you information about if you email or contact me directly. If you are a caregiver and cannot leave your home for an in-person meeting, this might be a better option for you. KimberlyJ@qpcypress.com

Everyone is welcome to attend but we suggest that you do not bring the person with dementia with you. We will be sharing helpful tips for you to better deal with difficult behaviors. All caregiver support groups are free of charge and are not specific to only dementia.

Kimberly Jensen has been working with Quail Park as a Senior Resource Advocate for over ten years and has helped hundreds of families find solutions to their senior problems.

If you have a question, you can send it to her at KimberlyJ@QPCypress.com or call (559) 737-7443.