Dementia, or a condition that can includeloss of memory, language, problem-solving, and other thinking abilities,affects around 55 million people in the world. And while dementia can occur because of factors that are completely out of our control—like our age or our genetics—our lifestyle can play a role in both the development and the management of this devastating condition in many cases.
Generally speaking,including physical activity in your day,following principles of the MIND diet, andgetting adequate quality sleepmay all play a role in keeping your brain sharp. Yet, while most of us are in tune with the concept of eatingnutritious foods to fuel our brains, we may neglect the importance of selecting the right drinks to help keep our cognitive health in check too.
Read on for the five best drinks for dementia, each of which is evidence-based and can have amazing effects on your brain health in a natural way. Read on, and for more on how to eat healthy, don’t missThe #1 Best Juice to Drink Every Day, Says Science
1. True tea
There are many varieties ofteathat make for a cozy drink. But unlike herbal teas, true teas (teas that come from theCamellia sinensisevergreen), have been shown tosupport brain healthin impressive ways. The five types of true tea—black, green, oolong, dark, and white—contain naturally occurring compounds with antioxidant properties called flavonoids as well as the L-theanine amino acid.
According to data presented at theSixth International Scientific Symposium on Tea and Human Health, drinking more true tea may offer cognitive function support. There is evidence suggesting thatdrinking green teaintake might reduce the risk of dementia, Alzheimer’s disease, and cognitive impairment.
According to a study published inTranslational Psychology, tea drinkers are 16% less likely to develop dementia compared with non-drinkers.
2. Hydration-supporting drinks
Since studies indicate thatdehydration can accelerate cognitive decline in people with dementia, maintaining proper hydration is incredibly important for those suffering from this cognitive condition. Older adults are more susceptible to dehydration thanks to theirdiminished sensitization of thirst. To help keep hydration at bay,Vitapod Hydra + Blueberry Pomegranateprovides importantelectrolytesto help maintain fluid balance. And since it is made with natural flavors and colors from sources such as beet juice and erythritol, it offers a satisfying taste that people who don’t love water may be happier to sip on.
Finally, this drink contains vitamins A, C, D, E, folic acid, calcium, magnesium, and potassium, plus flavonoids from decaffeinated green tea extract. Sincegreen teacontains compounds that play a role in dementia risk reduction, this delicious combo can be a great addition for those who are suffering from dementia.
3. 100% Orange juice
There are plenty of fruity drink options out there. But many drinks that appear to be healthy may be loaded with added sugars, whichwon’t do wonders for your brain health.
Choosing100% orange juiceinstead of fruit-flavored drinks with added sugars can give your body a boost of brain health-supporting nutrients, including flavonoids, vitamin C, thiamin, and vitamin B6.
Data shows that healthy older adults who drank 100% OJ scored better oncombined tests for global cognitive function vs. a control group. And inanother study, higher intake of flavonoids found predominantly in citrus was associated with a 36% reduced odds for subjective cognitive decline. Intake of oranges, grapefruit, orange juice, and grapefruit juice was associated with lower odds of subjective cognitive decline as well.
4. Sparkling water
Sure, sipping on a bubbly soda can hit the spot on a warm summer day. But including sugary beverages like soda in your diet may not be the best move if you are trying to support your brain health, as higher intake of sugarybeverages is associated with markers of preclinical Alzheimer’s disease.
Think sticking to diet soda is a better bet? Think again. Other data shows that artificially sweetened soft drink consumption wasassociated with a higher risk of dementia. Instead, switch to low-sugar sodas or sparkling water to quench your thirst.
5. Kefir
Kefiris a fermented dairy drink that is loaded with live and active cultures. Some data shows that kefir consumptionmay help improve cognitive deficits, thanks to the live cultures playing a positive role in systemic inflammation, oxidative stress, and blood cell damage.
Source: Lauren Manaker MS, RDN, LD, CLEC
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