The Impact of Nutrition on Cognitive Health in Personal Care

August 27, 2024

Cognitive decline is, unfortunately, more prevalent than you might think. Based on a study by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), it impacts approximately one in nine adults in the U.S. alone. While cognitive decline is one of the most common side effects of growing older, you can incorporate proper nutrition into your daily routine to help combat it.

At The Hickman Senior Living Community in West Chester, our dedicated Dining Services team prepares three delicious and nutritious meals daily for our residents, customized to support a healthy lifestyle and preserve physical and cognitive health.

How Proper Nutrition Supports Cognitive Health

As you age, continuing to eat well becomes increasingly crucial. The changes in your body indicate that you may require less energy from calories but need the same amounts of essential minerals, vitamins, and protein to preserve your health. Regular exercise and good nutrition will help protect against various conditions, such as cognitive decline, heart disease, and high blood pressure, which are common in aging people. They also aid in safeguarding joint, bone, and oral health.

For seniors aging in place, it is vital to follow doctor-prescribed diet and nutrition plans, especially when it comes to managing specific health conditions. Preparing meals that adhere to these guidelines can be challenging but is essential for maintaining health and well-being. Proper nutrition can address the following issues common in seniors who experience cognitive and physical decline:

• Mobility and Cognitive Decline – Moving around, cutting up ingredients, lifting heavy pans and pots, or remembering dietary restrictions or even simple recipes can be more difficult for seniors who live alone. Because of these issues, it can be very challenging to cook healthy meals, so they may resort to packaged food, fast food, or worse, forget to eat at all. It is particularly crucial for seniors to consume the right nutrients and enough calories to avoid dehydration, excessive weight loss, and obesity. To improve cognitive and physical health, whole foods from various food groups and very little to no processed foods is the best way to go.
• Dehydration – Dehydration can result in a broad range of health issues if left unaddressed. It is one of the most common causes of hospitalization in seniors. Regardless of the level of dehydration, it creates a significant imbalance in the body’s homeostatic function. Even being dehydrated by 2 percent can reduce performance in tasks requiring motor skills, immediate memory skills, and attention. Eight glasses of water daily is usually enough for most people, but others may need more depending on their overall condition and prescribed medications.

• Medication Management – Some medications are associated with food sensitivities or restrictions, and doctor-prescribed diet plans usually account for these restrictions. The timing and dosage of medications are especially crucial for seniors with memory issues or physical limitations.

Services at The Hickman Senior Living Community

Our Resident Services team works closely with Dining Services to support doctor-prescribed diet and nutrition plans, ensuring that each resident’s dietary restrictions and nutritional requirements are met.

Schedule Your Tour at The Hickman Senior Living Community in West Chester

At The Hickman Senior Living Community, we prioritize the health and well-being of our residents by providing meticulously prepared meals that adhere to individual dietary needs and promote overall cognitive and physical health. Our comprehensive approach ensures that residents receive the nutrition they need without the hassle of meal preparation, allowing them to enjoy a higher quality of life. Experience the peace of mind of knowing your loved ones receive exceptional care and support. Schedule a tour today to see firsthand how The Hickman can make a positive difference in your life or the life of a loved one.