Dementia is a general term for impaired abilities to remember, think, or make decisions—this can interfere with day-to-day life and daily activities. Dementia mostly impacts older individuals, with Alzheimer’s being the most common form, but that is not to say it is a normal part of aging. Dementia progresses over time and may require Alzheimer’s caregivers help for those who are unable to eat, take care of their general health, maintain hygiene on their own, or those that risk their well-being. If you’re looking for a home to take care of a loved one, be sure to search “care homes with dementia care near me,” “all assisted living homes near me,” and “local senior living homes” to see what options are available. It is essential to eat foods that fight off cognitive decline and help you maintain your health as you age. Here are 5 foods that support brain health and can help keep dementia away:

1. Leafy greens
Green, leafy vegetables—such as broccoli, spinach, and kale—have been found to slow the decline of cognitive abilities with age. This is suspected to be due to the nutrients like lutein, folate, phylloquinone, and beta-carotene in the leafy greens, which all have neuroprotective actions. Get those greens on your plate to prevent memory loss and support your cognitive function

2. Omega-3s
It has been found that the ingestion of omega-3 fatty acids increases learning, cognitive well-being, memory, and blood flow in the brain—this fatty acid is found in fatty fish, nuts and seeds, and plant oils. If you have a hard time getting this into your diet, omega-3s can also be taken as a supplement, which is a great option for the elderly

3. Nuts
Regular consumption of nuts, including pistachios, almonds, and macadamias, has been linked to improved cognitive function, enhanced memory, and better capacity for learning and attention. There are many contents of nuts that support brain health, like fatty acids, vitamins, minerals, and antioxidants—try having a handful a day

4. Berries
Berries seem to protect the brain, likely due to the compounds that protect from oxidative stress, but also due to the counteractions of advanced glycation end-products (AGEs). AGEs have been linked to Alzheimer’s disease, and by eating berries, you can protect your brain health from them. Eat a bowl of blueberries, top your oatmeal with strawberries and raspberries, or try a mix of berries in a smoothie

5. Whole grains
Oats, barley, and quinoa are all examples of whole grains that are rich in many B vitamins—these work to reduce inflammation of the brain, and in turn may preserve your memory. They are high in the B vitamin folate, which is particularly good for boosting memory.