Mediterranean Diet Essay

Dementia is a progressive loss of brain function affecting memory, thinking, language, judgment, and behavior. When older adults cognitive function declines, many changes impact the way they eat. As they age, cognitive impairment affects older adults physical ability to eat independently and their ability to enjoy food or their ability to eat may be affected by food choices because they become overwhelmed by too many food choices. Dr. Heidi K. White presentation on Nutrition and Dementia, described how Alzheimer’s disease affects malnutrition, ways to improve nutrition for patient with dementia, and nutritional needs for end of life care and the role for tube feeding.

Alzheimer’s disease (AD) is the sixth leading cause of death in the United States, and currently affects over five million US citizens. It is estimated 35 million people suffer with AD world wide, with incidences increasing rapidly. It is projected by the year 2050, cases of AD will nearly double. After symptoms become noticeable, those with Alzheimers have an average of eight years to live before it takes their lives. Although there are variety of known factors contributing to an increased risk of Alzheimer’s disease, compelling evidence for the causes and treatment of Alzheimer’s disease are being discovered in the realm of nutrition. Simply put, Alzheimer’s disease is the most prevalent form of dementia. Dementia is the loss of both memory

According to research, maintaining a low to normal weight during midlife is associated with decreased risk of dementia, AD and vascular disease (Rosengren et al., 2005). Nutrition is extremely crucial to maintaining a healthy weight. There are three diets associated with decreasing the risk of dementia in old age: the Mediterranean diet, Dietary Approaches to Stop Hypertension diet (DASH diet), and newly developed Mediterranean-DASH Intervention for Neurodegenerative Delay diet (MIND diet). Not only do these diets aid in dementia prevention, but they help guard against cardiovascular diseases such as heart disease and stroke, type 2 diabetes, and obesity. By adhering to these diets, individuals can help maintain their weight and increase their overall health, energy and longevity. As a general statement, these diets are limited in sodium, simple carbohydrates and unhealthy fats (saturated and trans-fats), which have been linked to dementia. They are also considered to be low in calories and are nutrient dense, thus providing individuals with the nourishment to fight against dementia during old age.

The Mediterranean diet is a selection of food choices based off the typical cultural diets of countries surrounding the Mediterranean Sea. This diet is often touted by dieticians and healthcare professionals as a dietary method for improving cardiovascular health. The main nutritional focuses of the diet are high intake of unsaturated fats, high intake of fiber, low intake of saturated fats, and low intake of sodium. Food choices should be centered around fresh vegetables, fruits, nuts, legumes, whole grains, seafood, and plant based oils, in addition reducing consumption of red meat and solid fats. Many clinical studies have been performed to see just how effective this diet is at improving cardiovascular health.

- Describe how cognitive functional and emotional changes associated with dementia can affect eating drinking and nutrition:

This paper is intended to explain my nutritional endeavor for the past three days. I will be providing different aspects of my nutritional needs and an in depth analysis on how proteins fats carbohydrates and fiber take part in an everyday diet and what are these functions. This is intended to broaden my views of a healthy lifestyle, and how to achieve it through a variety of food groups. In this essay the resources utilized where provided by the educational institute with the purpose of facilitating my research objectives.

No one wants to lose their mind. But the reality is that the risk of dementia doubles every five years after the age of sixty-five. Is there anything that can be done to prevent this age-related loss of brain function? Are There Ways to Reduce Dementia Through Lifestyle Changes? European researchers analyzed 1,433 people over the age of 65 to determine what lifestyle factors would reduce the risk of dementia the most. After getting a complete medical history on the participants, they tested their cognitive function at intervals over a seven year period. What did they find? According to this research, the two best ways to reduce the risk of dementia is to eliminate diabetes and depression - both of which are dementia risk factors. If both of these factors were eliminated and more people were encouraged to eat fruits and vegetables, the number of new cases of dementia would drop by 21%. There 's some controversy as to whether depression actually increases the risk of dementia - or whether it 's simply an early sign of the disease. This study suggests that depression probably does increase the risk of the disease - and isn 't just a symptom. It 's not surprising that diabetes is a risk factor since it 's associated with insulin resistance. Some studies show insulin resistance increases the risk of dementia. Another way to reduce dementia risk is to encourage people to be literate and educated. This study showed that the number of new cases of dementia would drop by 18% if

It is a known fact that other countries eat healthier than here in the United States. For example, the Mediterranean diet contains many fruits and vegetables. It also replaces fattening oils with olive oil. In the article “Mediterranean Diet Shown to Ward Off Heart Attack and Stroke”, Gina Kolata states, “About 30 percent of heart attacks, strokes and deaths from heart disease can be prevented in people at high risk if they switch to a Mediterranean diet rich in olive oil, nuts, beans, fish, fruits and vegetables, and even drink wine with meals, a large and rigorous new study has found” (nytimes.com). Many people who have gone on the Mediterranean diet have decreased their risk.

If you’ve ever talked to somebody after they 've traveled to a country such as Italy or Greece, they probably mentioned how delicious the food was. Food is one of the more common affiliations with countries that surround the Mediterranean Sea; and understandably so. The food this region produces is so notable that there is a diet based off it, companied with endless research elaborating the health benefits it accommodates. Fittingly named The Mediterranean Diet, this compilation of foods including fish, fruits, vegetables, beans, high fiber breads, whole grains, nuts, olive oil and red wine are targeted to help prevent a number of diseases as well as promote health in different sectors of the body. This essay will touch upon each component, benefit, and precaution of the Mediterranean diet, in depth, all with a main focus on the nutritional factors.

Alzheimer’s Disease has been one of the top leading causes of death in our country. It is understood that this disease is identified as an excess of the protein amyloid-ß within an increase of plaque (Seneff, Wainwright, and Mascitelli, 2010). Additionally, as the brain ages, it gets used to the inflammation and oxidative stress, so it is important to take the right amount of antioxidant micronutrients like vitamin C and vitamin E as well as anti-inflammatory macronutrients such as omega-3 polyunsaturated fatty acids to protect the brain from ageing (Whalley et. al, 2004). This is a devastating disease that affects most people over the age of fifty. Recently, there have been many studies done to figure out what causes this disease, if there is anything that can cure it, and how to prevent the disease. Seneff, Wainwright, and Mascitelli, believe Alzheimer’s develops with consuming too many carbohydrates, especially fructose and having a deficiency in cholesterol and dietary fats as well (2010). Whalley, Starr, and Deary have seen that poor diet, poverty, and failing health are links to developing Alzheimer’s Disease (2004). Furthermore, seeing increase in plasma homocysteine concentration increases risk of Dementia, which can result from an inadequate intake of vitamin B12/folate (Walley et. al, 2004). Additionally, Gray supports Walley’s findings and even believes having an adequate intake of vitamin B12/folate will have a positive effect on the overall health

There is more evidence that suggests the condition of your heart has an effect on the condition of your brain, so people who suffer from high blood pressure, heart disease, stroke, high cholesterol and diabetes are at higher risk of developing dementia. It is suggested that to help reduce the risk of developing dementia it may help to try and stay healthy by eating a well-balanced

Based on a 24 Hour Recall of my diet, results using NutriCalc Plus report that my food intake lacked a healthy balance of all food groups. My Grain intake reached only 60% of the My Plate daily recommendations. My Vegetable intake was a mere 50% of the recommended servings. Additionally, I consumed 84% of the daily recommendations for the Dairy Group. Nonetheless, I did exceed the recommendations for the Fruit Group and Protein Group with intakes of 155% and 107%, respectively.

Poor diet, like meat and potatoes, can alter the brain and create an imbalance on a well-functioning brain. According to Gomez-Pinilla (2008), there is an influence on specific nutrients that act on cellular processes that are important for maintaining cognitive function. Richard must implement a course of action and manage his life better. Although Richard is unable to go back to being free of his chronic illness, he is able to maintain a healthy lifestyle and prolong his life by creating awareness for his current issue and applying self-control to maintain a healthier lifestyle. He also has good family support that can help him to maintain

Brain health is included and it is not uncommon for people to overlook the importance of feeding and exercising the brain properly, just as every other part of the body. There has been a sufficient amount of data to support techniques that will help in reducing the risk of dementia, Alzheimer’s in particular. Among these are increasing physical activity, receiving treatment for depression, quit smoking, control type two diabetes, have a diet rich in fruits and vegetables, fostering social engagement, control blood pressure and cholesterol levels, and participate in intellectually stimulating activities. The research currently documented does not necessarily state that these measures prevent Alzheimer’s directly, but rather enhance the overall health of people, which in return aids in preserving brain health as well. Research is continuously being conducted on Alzheimer’s and other related disorders of dementia, but for now the most widely accepted methods of prevention are becoming and staying healthy. Proper nutrition begins at an early age. It is easy for people to disregard the importance of their health when they are young since their choices are not typically directly affecting them. This is what needs to change. People need to be properly educated on the effects that their current life choices have on them in the future. The foods people eat, drugs people take, and overall lifestyle that people live will affect their overall

Diets high in sugar and carbs and similarly low in fat are devastating to the brain. I was amazed when Dr Perlmutter indicated that diets high in carbs are associated with 90% increase in dementia.If we look at American Heart Association website they recommend a diet high in whole grains. After listening to this video I have a better understanding about the ideal diet that will help us reduce the risk of diseases like Alzheimer’s, Parkinson’s, ADHD, Autism and Multiple Sclerosis. Diets high in fat are associated with 44% reduced risk of Alzheimer’s disease. 54% of cases of Alzheimer’s disease could be prevented. By incorporating healthy fats like Coconut oil, Avocadoes, nuts we can regenerate brain cells in memory centers. I was amazed we I knew we can grow back brain cells. This will definitely help me to counsel and education my younger patients, parents to change their diet from early life stages. I can definitely help my patients plan healthy menu. I would encourage all my patients to favor above ground colorful vegetables (because they don’t have a lot of starch in them). Motivate my patients to eat green leafy vegetables like Kale, Swiss chard, Green Collards, Broccoli,