Vitamins and minerals offer a variety of health benefits for aging adults, including restoring energy, boosting memory, enhancing mood, and promoting a high quality of life. As a family caregiver, you need to encourage your senior loved one to consume an adequate amount of nutrients each day, whether it’s via foods, beverages, or supplements. Here are some of the best brain-boosting vitamins and minerals for seniors.
1. Vitamin E
Consuming vitamin E can benefit the mind and memory. The antioxidant protects brain cells from oxidative stress damage caused by free radicals. Consuming vitamin E can also prevent Alzheimer’s disease. If your loved one is already living with Alzheimer’s, vitamin E can slow its progression. When following a healthy diet, seniors can get the vitamin E they need from the foods they eat, such as:
- Nuts
- Spinach
- Bell peppers
- Blueberries
- Avocados
- Seeds
Seniors should eat nutritious meals every day to increase their cognitive abilities and memory. If your aging loved one needs help managing everyday tasks or encouragement to adopt healthier lifestyle choices, turn to Home Care Assistance, a leading provider of elderly home care. Home Care Assistance provides professional in-home caregivers around the clock to help seniors live longer, happier, and healthier lives.
2. Calcium
Calcium is an essential mineral that helps seniors maintain their brain function. Calcium flows throughout the body, helping the brain and body communicate via nerve signals. The more calcium aging adults consume, the better chances their brains have of regulating several neuron functions, including neuronal excitability and neurotransmitter release. Low levels of calcium increase the risk of memory loss, poor bone density, and other health conditions. Salmon, leafy greens, yogurt, seeds, and some cheeses contain the calcium seniors need to boost their brain health.
3. Magnesium
Seniors who consume adequate amounts of B vitamins need magnesium to convert those vitamins into their active forms. Magnesium is the driving force that helps B vitamins and other minerals keep the brain functioning efficiently. Adding magnesium to your loved one’s diet could enhance his or her working and long-term memory.
Magnesium is also necessary for the transmission of nerve impulses. A magnesium deficiency in the body can lead to a variety of neurological problems. The best sources of magnesium for seniors are bananas, almonds, brown rice, and dark chocolate.
Professional caregivers can reduce the risk of nutritional deficiencies by helping seniors prepare healthy meals at home. Maintaining a high quality of life can be challenging for some seniors, but professional caregivers can help them attain this goal. Families can trust Clearwater homecare experts to help their elderly loved ones focus on lifestyle choices that increase the chances of living longer and healthier lives.
4. Zinc
This trace element is essential to a senior’s brain function. It can also mediate inflammation that impacts memory. By consuming foods full of zinc or taking zinc supplements, seniors can benefit from the neuroprotective effects the nutrient provides. Zinc can also prevent depression and anxiety. A deficiency in zinc can increase cognitive impairment and increase the risk for developing dementia, Alzheimer’s, or Parkinson’s disease.
To ensure your parent gets enough zinc, add the following foods to his or her diet:
- Whole grains
- Eggs
- Legumes
- Nuts
- Shellfish
- Dairy
- Pumpkin
Seniors may find it challenging to get the nutrients they need every day, but trained caregivers can provide assistance with maintaining a healthy diet. If your senior loved one needs hourly or live-in care, Clearwater Home Care Assistance can help. Our caregivers can assist with exercise and mobility, prepare nutritious meals, provide timely medication reminders, and help with a wide array of other important daily tasks. Contact one of our experienced Care Managers today at (727) 330-7862 to learn more about our reliable in-home care services.