In most of the reading I’ve done, there is often a diet component in the prevention/delay the onset section.

If you’re just starting this journey, it’s worth paying attention too. For both your loved one with dementia and for you, the caregiver.

It’s not coincidence that the heart healthy diet, the one for diabetes, and the one for brain health are similar. Having a healthy diet prevents or minimizes most chronic diseases associated with aging.

Not only does a healthy diet help prevent and delay, it also gives you, the caregiver, more energy and increases your ability to stay well to look after your loved one.

At 81, Jim has earned the right to eat how he wants. I make sure he gets his daily requirement of nutrients but I’ve stopped forcing him to forego his favourites like pasta and mashed potatoes. That’s not to say I don’t sneak grated carrots into the spaghetti sauce or cauliflower into his mashed potatoes. But I’ve loosened the reigns so he can continue to enjoy eating.

Especially, these days, where food has become a lower priority to him.

But for me, on my respite days, I’ll order a salad instead of a burger. Have guacamole as an afternoon snack (I use popcorn instead of crackers – it’s fantastic!). I drink a lot of water and haven’t used cream or sugar in my coffee for decades. I sneak in healthy eating for myself whenever I can to ensure I’ll be around to look after Jim for as long as he needs me.