HAVING a family member get diagnosed with dementia can be a troubling time for everyone involved. For those diagnosed, it can be a devastating life change to endure. And if you’re the child of someone diagnosed, you not only have to process the hit of the diagnosis itself, but also the potential worries of what it may mean for your health later down the road as well. It’s important to note that dementia isn’t actually as hereditary as some people may assume. While it is possible to pass it to children or grandchildren, most dementia cases are not inherited. When it comes to vascular dementia, it’s very unlikely that parents can pass it down to their children. It’s more likely that they would pass a specific gene related to the illness, or pass down some common risk factors of dementia — like diabetes or high blood pressure. For frontotemporal dementia patients, it is possible to pass it down to your offspring. According to The Alzheimer’s Society, about 40% of those who develop this type of dementia will have a family member that develops dementia as well. So while it is possible for you to never get dementia even if one of your parents does, it is still important to care for your brain and eat foods that can help improve your overall brain health. 1. Eat plenty of omega-3s. It’s important to get enough healthy fats like omega-3s in your diet on a consistent basis. “Roughly 60% of the brain is made of fat, and half that amount is omega-3 type fats,” says Trista Best at Balance One Supplements. “It has been found that omega-3 rich foods can help prevent cognitive diseases like Alzheimer’s and slow mental decline. The brain also requires omega-3 fat to make nerve cells, which are vital to memory and one’s ability to learn.” 2. Limit consumption of red meat and processed food. If you’re wondering what foods you should avoid or limit, you may want to watch your consumption of red meat, processed meat, and other processed food. “I recommend limiting your intake of red meat and processed foods, as they are inflammatory and may increase the likelihood of plaque in the brain that can contribute to dementia,” says Dana Ellis Hunnes, author of “Recipe for Survival.” In fact, animal research from Ohio State University has shown that consuming processed foods on a regular basis can lead to faster memory loss in aging populations. 3. Make sure to get enough B vitamins. Along with eating plenty of healthy fats and avoiding highly-processed foods, getting enough B vitamins can help boost your brain health. “Ensuring adequate intake of B vitamins (thiamin, B12, etc.) is crucial because they can be related to neurological changes,” says Hunnes. You can find B12 in most animal products such as meat, dairy and eggs. If you don’t eat meat products, you can always supplement with a B12 pill. 4. Eat more berries. “Berries are thought to be among the healthiest food for your brain because of their antioxidants and high levels of anthocyanins,” says Hunnes. One study found that young and older adults who consumed blueberries had better memory and attention, as well as better blood flow to the brain. (SD-Agencies) | 