April 2024- How to Maximize Nutrition and Brain Health

Wednesday, November 5, 2025

How to Maximize Nutrition for Improved Brain Health for Someone Living with Dementia 

Word of the month – “NUTRITION” The act or process of nourishing or being nourished. There are 7 categories of nutrients that are essential for the maintenance of life. These include protein, vitamins, minerals, lipids, dietary fiber, and carbohydrates 

HEALTHY MINDS, HEALTHY LIVES 

How to Maximize Your Nutrition in Support of Brain Health 

Tips on diet / Supplements 

Worst choices: 

  • Processed meats 
  • Processed cheese 
  • Refines sugar 
  • Refined carbohydrates

To help maintain good health and a healthy brain: 

  • Diet rich in fish - good source of Omega 3, a fatty acid good for your brain. Try to eat twice a week. Good sources are: 
  • salmon, cod, haddock tuna, halibut 
  • Other good options are walnuts, flaxseeds, and soybeans 
  • Green leafy vegetables 
  • Spinach 
  • Kale
  • Broccoli 
  • Olives and Nuts 
  • Berries - have antioxidants that slow aging of the brain
  • Blueberries
  • Blackberries   
  • Dark Chocolate! - (at least 72% cocoa solids) Contains flavonoids which are strong antioxidants. Improves blood flow to the brain and reduces inflammation 
  • Herbs and Spices - Packed with antioxidants 
  • Turmeric 
  • Cinnamon 
  • Ginger
  • Coffee - Improves memory and potentially decreases risk of dementia. Drink up to 3 cups of black coffee a day 
  • Tea - Black and green teas contain brain-boosting anti-oxidants 
  • Red Wine - (in moderation) or grape juice – Contains a potent antioxidant. May protect against the formation of damaging plaques in the brain 
  • Whole Grains - Rich in Vitamin B which reduces inflammation in the brain, preserving memory 
  • Oats 
  • Barley 
  • Quinoa 
  • Eggs – Contain protein and Vitamins B, D, and E which can help to improve memory 
  • Summary of Supplements 

Vitamin E / Vitamin B Complex / Vitamin C / Omega 3 fatty acids / Vitamin D / Melatonin / Zinc 

When a referral for Speech Therapy is needed: 

  • Coughing and throat clearing 
  • Wet, gurgled voice 
  • Drooling food, fluid, and saliva 
  • Prolonged chewing with visible effort 
  • Pooling or pocketing in cheek of food, fluids, medications
  • Sneezing  
  • Nasal regurgitation or runny nose 
  • Pain and discomfort 

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