Reversing Dementia Naturally: What the Research Says

Anju Mobin
By Anju Mobin
Joel Taylor
Edited by Joel Taylor

Published March 2, 2022.

An elderly couple sitting together and solving a crossword puzzle together

Dementia is one of the primary causes of memory loss and cognitive decline in the elderly. Until recently, dementia was considered irreversible, but new research has come to light showing that it is indeed possible to slow dementia progression and cognitive decline with certain lifestyle changes (1).

The solution starts with changing your food habits! But first, let's discuss what dementia is and then move on to how food and certain lifestyle changes can help reverse it naturally.

What Is Dementia?

Dementia is a term used to refer to a group of conditions with related symptoms that affect cognitive functioning owing to nerve cell damage. It can hinder memory, language, reasoning, and may cause changes in personality, gait, and behavior as well.

Alzheimer’s disease (AD) is a neurodegenerative disorder. It is the most common type of dementia that affects people above 65 years. Common symptoms include memory decline, reduced thinking and reasoning skills, and impaired language skills.

Does Food Play a Part in Preventing Memory Loss?

Food is vital for maintaining physical and mental wellbeing. Intake of specific foods to reverse dementia is a safe and healthy option. A balanced diet with fruits, vegetables, whole grains, fatty fish, nuts, and healthy fat sources offers the nutrients required to protect the brain from memory loss and cognitive decline. This may help stop dementia from progressing.

Avoiding high-sugar foods reduces the risk of metabolic diseases and promotes health as diabetes and obesity increase inflammation in the brain.

The Mediterranean Diet has been found to be effective in reducing symptoms of Alzheimer’s disease and it is now popular as an Alzheimer’s reversal diet (2).

Can Lifestyle Changes Reverse Memory Loss?

An unhealthy lifestyle along with advancing age can have deteriorating effects on brain cells. Making adjustments to one’s lifestyle goes a long way in ensuring good mental health and preventing the onset or progression of dementia (3).

  • Consume a balanced diet Eating nutritious food is the best way to keep the brain active and healthy. Reducing processed foods and consuming plant-based meals with seafood can bridge nutritional deficiencies and help prevent or stop memory loss (4).
  • Regular physical exercise This increases the oxygen supply to the brain. Regular workouts, especially aerobic exercises, have been found to lower the vascular risk of dementia, preventing cognitive decline and memory loss (5). Other physical activities such as playing sports, gardening, etc., can keep the brain alert and sharp.
  • Lowering stress Hectic lifestyles with high stress and anxiety can damage the brain over time, leading to memory loss. Mindfulness training in the elderly can help improve memory and cognitive functioning (6).
  • Adequate sleep Insomnia or poor quality of sleep can affect the brain and seriously impact memory. Elderly people with sleep disturbances are more prone to dementia. Proper sleep of 6-8 hours is recommended.
  • Meditation Meditation helps the mind to relax and remain calm, inducing positive changes in the brain that help reduce memory loss. It increases attention and focus while also lowering stress and anxiety (7).
  • Engaging in cognitive leisure activities Activities such as reading or solving puzzles can prevent memory loss by increasing attention span and problem-solving skills (8)(9).
  • Taking supplements Vitamin B12 deficiency can accelerate dementia (10). Thus it is believed that supplementing with vitamin B12 prevents dementia and may help in its reversal. A certified nutritionist may help to naturally reverse dementia with herbs and minerals that support cognition and prevent memory loss. See our brain-boosting supplement.

Is It Too Late to Reverse Memory Loss?

Just as it is never too early to start taking care of your mind and body, it is never too late to try and improve memory or prevent further decline.

Memory loss usually occurs in phases. Except for very advanced stages of dementia, one can try and reverse memory loss. By recognizing symptoms, seeking timely medical advice, and making the right lifestyle changes, you can give your brain the resources it needs to recover.

FAQs

1. Is Coffee Good for Dementia?

Coffee contains caffeine as well as antioxidants that can stimulate the brain, keep it alert, and help prevent Alzheimer’s disease (11).

2. Why Are Greek Yogurt and Ice Cream Good for Dementia?

Greek yogurt is a fermented dairy product with a high concentration of nutrients that support cognition. It is rich in vitamin B12, magnesium, and iodine.

Ice cream is a pleasure food. Such foods can trigger the release of dopamine, the "feel-good" hormone that induces happiness. Dopamine plays a vital role in regulating the memory systems of the brain (12)(13).

3. Should We Consume More Rice and Onions for Dementia?

Dewaxed brown rice is a rich source of lipopolysaccharides, flavonoids, polyphenols, and more. These are essential to prevent memory loss and cognition in dementia patients.

Onions contain quercetin, a flavonoid believed to help with memory decline. Quercetin has antioxidant properties with neuroprotective effects for the brain that may prevent cognitive decline (14).