Dementia describes a group of symptoms that affects memory, thinking and social abilities. It is important to remember that dementia isn’t a specific disease as various diseases and conditions can result in dementia. Some dementia symptoms may be reversible, but it depends on the cause of dementia

Can dementia be reversible?

Mark Hatzer was heartbroken when his 82-year-old mother Sylvia had difficulties with recognizing him. The senior woman had been diagnosed with Alzheimer’s in December 2016 and the disease had been progressing.

In March 2017, Sylvia had a seizure and collapsed. She was taken to North Manchester General Hospital, where she became agitated and tried to call the police, thinking she was kidnapped.

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Mark was extremely upset. He desperately wanted to help his mom, but he didn’t know what to do. What could be done to bring his mom back? Sylvia was discharged from the hospital in two months, and that’s when her life began to change.

With her son’s help and supervision, Sylvia changed her diet completely. Mark did some research and learned about brain-friendly diets, so he thought his mother could benefit from them. And she did.

Sylvia started eating plenty of berries, especially blueberries, leafy greens, and nuts, including walnuts, and colorful vegetables, such as carrots and sweet potatoes, and a little dark chocolate as a special treat.

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The woman began to socialize more and do some cognitive exercises, such as crosswords and jigsaws. She also started to walk more.

All of these measures improved Sylvia’s condition. Talking to Manchester Evening News, Mark said:

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What is Alzheimer’s disease and can it be reversed with the right diet?

Alzheimer’s disease is the most common type of dementia. According to the National Institute on Aging, more than 5.5 million Americans older than 65 may have Alzheimer’s. The institute’s website also states that Alzheimer’s disease is irreversible.

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Although there’s no proven way to undo the damage that the disease has already caused, its progression can be slowed down, at least to some extent. Also, some factors can lower the risk of developing Alzheimer’s. One such factor is diet.

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There are some promising studies demonstrating that a balanced diet can cut the risk of age-related cognitive decline by as many as 35%. Mediterranean diet is one of the best diets for brain and cardiovascular system.

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The MIND diet isn’t so popular but it’s also beneficial. Here are several tips:

1. Eat more fresh vegetables, particularly leafy greens, and whole grains.
2. Nuts, such as almonds, hazelnuts, and walnuts, and fresh berries, especially blueberries, can work as brain-friendly snacks.
3. Olive oil is the best oil according to the MIND diet.
4. Don’t forget about beans. Kidney beans and lima beans are a great source of protein.

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Unfortunately, researchers don’t know enough about Alzheimer’s and other forms of dementia yet to find a way to prevent them. However, some measures can reduce the risk. Choosing a brain-friendly diet definitely won’t hurt.

This article is solely for informational purposes. Do not self-diagnose or self-medicate, and in all cases consult a certified healthcare professional before using any information presented in the article. The editorial board does not guarantee any results and does not bear any responsibility for any harm that may result from using the information provided in the article.