Hello, my name is Caitlin Smith and my concentration is senior living. I am completing my internship at Pickersgill Retirement Community in Towson, Maryland and I am currently in my basic clinical rotation. I am very interested in sustaining health and independence in older adults. The population is aging and people are living longer now than they ever have which has opened up many avenues for Registered Dietitians to get involved. Recent studies have shown that there is even more that the Registered Dietitian can do to improve the quality of life of older adults by beginning to help them while they are still independent and even while they are still in their homes. Just like a routine doctor’s visit, a consult with a Registered Dietitian can be very important in maintaining the health of seniors.
One of the most crippling diseases that many older adults and their family’s experience is Alzheimer’s disease. In recent years Alzheimer’s research and findings have been increasingly progressive. Although it is still incurable at this time, there is constantly more research supporting that it may be preventable and this is where the dietitian’s role can be pivotal. For example, research surrounding omega-3 fatty acids and DHA and all it can do for the brain has been gaining more and more attention. Many people know that DHA plays an important role in memory however, new research shows that low levels of DHA have been associated with an increased risk of developing Alzheimer’s disease later in life. Eating foods rich in DHA, such as fish, can be the defensive line for the brain and should be thought of as a reserve for aging. A recent study published in the American Journal of Geriatric Psychiatry found that a healthy diet may play a large role in keeping the brain healthy and free of many of the plaques and tangles that are a known marks of Alzheimer’s. Researchers studied 44 patients between the ages of 40 and 85 who had mild memory problems and found that those who followed a Mediterranean diet and were physically active had less signs of developing Alzheimer’s than those whose diet was less healthy and who were less active. This specific study is revolutionary in that it showed how lifestyle factors can impact the development of Alzheimer’s disease so early on in an individual’s symptoms. However, if you ask 109 year old Miss. K, one of Baltimore’s oldest citizens and an independent living resident at Pickersgill, she’ll tell you her secret to longevity is the juice of half a lemon mixed with warm water.
Although the research is still evolving and there is still a lot to be learned about Alzheimer’s and its etiology, it is always useful to know how the dietitian can help treat and/or prevent different diseases and conditions and improve the quality of life of people in all stages. By being progressive and research oriented Registered Dietitians can truly change the process of aging.
The Dietitian’s Role:
References:
Academy of Nutrition and Dietetics. (2016, September 23). Feed Your Brain — Go Fish! Retrieved from http://www.eatright.org/resource/health/wellness/healthy-aging/feed-your-brain-go-fish
Healthy Diet, Exercise May Help Keep Alzheimer's at Bay: MedlinePlus Health News. (2016, August 17). Retrieved from https://medlineplus.gov/news/fullstory_160477.html
One of the most crippling diseases that many older adults and their family’s experience is Alzheimer’s disease. In recent years Alzheimer’s research and findings have been increasingly progressive. Although it is still incurable at this time, there is constantly more research supporting that it may be preventable and this is where the dietitian’s role can be pivotal. For example, research surrounding omega-3 fatty acids and DHA and all it can do for the brain has been gaining more and more attention. Many people know that DHA plays an important role in memory however, new research shows that low levels of DHA have been associated with an increased risk of developing Alzheimer’s disease later in life. Eating foods rich in DHA, such as fish, can be the defensive line for the brain and should be thought of as a reserve for aging. A recent study published in the American Journal of Geriatric Psychiatry found that a healthy diet may play a large role in keeping the brain healthy and free of many of the plaques and tangles that are a known marks of Alzheimer’s. Researchers studied 44 patients between the ages of 40 and 85 who had mild memory problems and found that those who followed a Mediterranean diet and were physically active had less signs of developing Alzheimer’s than those whose diet was less healthy and who were less active. This specific study is revolutionary in that it showed how lifestyle factors can impact the development of Alzheimer’s disease so early on in an individual’s symptoms. However, if you ask 109 year old Miss. K, one of Baltimore’s oldest citizens and an independent living resident at Pickersgill, she’ll tell you her secret to longevity is the juice of half a lemon mixed with warm water.
Although the research is still evolving and there is still a lot to be learned about Alzheimer’s and its etiology, it is always useful to know how the dietitian can help treat and/or prevent different diseases and conditions and improve the quality of life of people in all stages. By being progressive and research oriented Registered Dietitians can truly change the process of aging.
The Dietitian’s Role:
- Nutrition assessment
- Nutrition education on:
- Keeping diabetes and blood pressure under control
- How to implement & maintain a healthful diet
- How to achieve a healthy weight
- Ways to increase DHA consumption
- Providing resources for healthy aging
- Eatright.org
- Go4life.nia.nih.gov
References:
Academy of Nutrition and Dietetics. (2016, September 23). Feed Your Brain — Go Fish! Retrieved from http://www.eatright.org/resource/health/wellness/healthy-aging/feed-your-brain-go-fish
Healthy Diet, Exercise May Help Keep Alzheimer's at Bay: MedlinePlus Health News. (2016, August 17). Retrieved from https://medlineplus.gov/news/fullstory_160477.html
