Dementia is a broad term used to describe various symptoms of cognitive decline, such as memory loss, impaired judgement, and problems with language. It is a debilitating condition that affects millions of elderly people worldwide. While there is no known cure for dementia, certain lifestyle factors like diet and exercise have been shown to help slow its progression. One surprising food that may offer benefits for dementia patients is ice cream.
Ice cream is a beloved frozen dessert enjoyed worldwide. With its creamy texture and sweet flavours, ice cream evokes feelings of nostalgia and comfort. But beyond its taste and texture, ice cream contains certain compounds that may positively impact dementia symptoms. In moderation, ice cream could be a nutritious and enjoyable addition to a dementia patient’s diet.
Ice Cream’s Effects on Dementia
Research has uncovered various ways ice cream could help deter dementia’s cognitive decline:
- Provides energy: Dementia can cause eating irregularities, requiring caregivers to find calorie-dense foods. With its high fat and sugar content, ice cream is an excellent source of quick energy.
- Stimulates memory: Eating familiar foods like ice cream can trigger positive emotions and memories in dementia patients, engaging the brain.
- Nutrients for cognition: Ice cream contains nutrients like calcium, vitamin D, and phosphorus that may support better cognition.
- Anti-inflammatory effects: Dairy-based ice creams provide anti-inflammatory properties that promote brain health.
- Blood flow boost: Cold foods like ice cream encourage blood flow to the brain.
While research is preliminary, these factors indicate ice cream may distinctly benefit dementia patients by energizing, engaging, and nourishing the brain.
Nutrients in Ice Cream That Help Dementia
Ice cream contains several nutrients linked to improved cognition, which may explain why it assists with dementia symptoms:
Calcium
Many ice creams are dairy-based, meaning they contain ample calcium. Research indicates calcium deficiency is tied to cognitive impairment. Older women with higher calcium levels exhibited better cognitive test performance in one study. Calcium supports overall brain health.
Vitamin D
Low vitamin D is also associated with dementia risk. As vitamin D is added to many dairy products like ice cream, eating them raises vitamin D levels. Sufficient vitamin D may protect cognitive abilities by reducing inflammation and amyloid plaques in the brain.
Phosphorus
Phosphorus comprises nearly 1% of a person’s body weight and supports essential brain functions. Low phosphorus correlates to cognitive decline in dementia patients according to studies. Ice cream provides phosphorus to help optimize cognition.
Healthy Fats
Ice cream contains saturated fats which, in moderation, promote stable energy and healthy cell membranes in the brain. One study found higher saturated fat intake slowed cognitive decline. Fats are also needed to absorb fat-soluble vitamins like A, D, E and K.
Ice Cream Ingredients That Fight Dementia
Along with nutrients, ice cream contains specific ingredients added during processing that have brain-boosting properties:
Cocoa
Chocolate ice cream provides cocoa flavanols that have anti-inflammatory effects and increase blood flow in the brain. Cocoa may improve cognition, memory, and processing speed.
Vanilla
Vanilla ice cream includes the extract vanilla bean. Vanilla contains antioxidants that reduce neuroinflammation. It may also boost levels of key neurotransmitters involved in memory like serotonin.
Nuts
Nut-based ice creams add nutrients linked to better brain health like vitamin E, folate, and healthy fats. Research shows regular nut consumption helps cognition and delays cognitive aging.
Berries
Some fruit-flavored ice creams include berries like strawberries and blueberries. Berries provide anthocyanins and polyphenols that improve neuron signaling and lower inflammation in the brain.
Other Benefits of Ice Cream for Dementia
Aside from its nutritional profile, ice cream impacts dementia patients in other positive ways:
Provides Calories
Weight loss is common in dementia since patients often forget to eat or have difficulty feeding themselves. Ice cream’s high calorie content helps prevent unwanted weight loss.
| 1 scoop vanilla ice cream | Calories |
|---|---|
| 100g | 207 |
Evokes Happiness
Ice cream’s sweet taste and creamy texture stimulate the senses, while flavors can remind dementia patients of favorite treats from childhood. This helps create positive emotions and memories.
Provides Cold Stimulation
The coldness of ice cream can rouse and stimulate the senses for dementia patients who experience drowsiness or low engagement. This cold sensory input may promote alertness and interaction.
Easy to Swallow
Dementia patients often have difficulty chewing and swallowing foods. Ice cream’s smooth, soft texture makes it easier and safer to swallow without choking risk.
Risks of Ice Cream for Dementia
Despite its advantages, ice cream does carry some risks caregivers should be mindful of:
Fat Content
Full-fat ice cream has high saturated fat content, which in excess can raise cholesterol and heart disease risk. For dementia patients prone to weight gain or obesity, lower fat options are likely best.
Blood Sugar Spikes
The abundance of sugar and carbohydrates in ice cream can cause blood sugar spikes and crashes. For diabetics or pre-diabetics, portions should be monitored.
Dairy Allergies
Some people are allergic to milk proteins like casein and whey. Non-dairy ice cream alternatives made from nuts, soy or oats would be better choices in those cases.
Aspiration Risk
Despite its soft texture, those with dementia still require careful feeding and monitoring when eating ice cream to prevent aspiration into the lungs.
Guidelines for Giving Ice Cream to Dementia Patients
When serving ice cream to dementia patients, keep these guidelines in mind for safety and effectiveness:
- Stick to single serving sizes like 1 scoop or 1/2 cup.
- Aim for lower sugar varieties with less than 15g per serving.
- Select ice creams with mix-ins like nuts or oats for extra nutrition.
- Avoid giving right before bed to prevent energy surges.
- Pair with other nutritious foods like fruit for a balanced snack.
- Slowly feed spoonfuls and prompt swallowing to avoid aspiration.
- Wipe away drips or spills to minimize mess and maintain cleanliness.
Conclusion
Ice cream can be a nutritious and enjoyable food for dementia patients when consumed carefully and in moderation. Its creamy texture and sweet flavors provide comfort and happiness, while nutrients like calcium, vitamins, antioxidants and healthy fats may benefit cognition and brain health. By following serving guidelines, minimizing risks, and monitoring reactions, caregivers can safely incorporate ice cream into the diets of loved ones with dementia.
While no food can cure or prevent dementia, small lifestyle adjustments like eating ice cream may help improve quality of life and delay progression of symptoms. Along with conventional treatment and therapy, a holistic approach including nutrition may empower dementia patients to live each day to the fullest.