Partnering with Dementia Australia March 19, 2020 for the ‘Night of Gold’ is one of the many fundraisers that are an important part of Navarra Care that was founded in 2017 by the Navarra Family. It is the charity arm of the business and our venues are open for fundraisers. This fundraiser shows that Navarra cares for its Dementia victims.
Dementia can happen to anyone
When someone talks about Dementia they are describing the symptoms of a number of illnesses that affect the brain and a person’s ability to perform what we take for granted an everyday task. It affects a person’s social and working life.
There is an estimated 1.5 million Australians where Dementia Australia is involved in their care. As we increase in age we can be at risk but it is important to understand the majority of older people do not get dementia. It is more common in people after the age of 65 years. There are cases called younger onset dementia that has been found to affect people. This type of Dementia can occur between the age of 40 and 60.
Different forms of Dementia
- Alzheimer’s disease is most common where it’s between 50 and 70 per cent of all cases.
- Vascular Dementia
- Lewy body disease
- Fronto Temporal Lobar Degeneration
- Alcohol –related dementia • Huntington’s disease
- Human immunodeficiency
Early subtle symptoms
- Progressive and frequent memory loss
- Personality and behaviour changes (confusion)
- Apathy and withdrawal
- Loss of ones ability to perform usual everyday tasks
Foods that can help improve Dementia
See list below:
- Raw leafy greens; kale, spinach, collard and mustard greens. Rich in folate and B9 help improve cognition and reduce depression
- Cruciferous vegetables; broccoli, cauliflower, bok choy, brussel sprouts and kale contain folate and have carotenoids lowering homo-cysteine (an amino acid linked with cognitive impairment.
- Beans and legumes which are rich in folate, iron, magnesium and potassium can help with general body function firing up neurons. These vegetables are very high in vitamin B that boosts acetylcholine (a neuro transmitter critical for brain function).
- Whole grains such as quinoa, kammut and gluten free oats are acceptable
- Berries and cherries contain anthocyanin that protects the brain from further damage. The anti‐inflamatory properties contain antioxidants that include vitamin C and E.
- Dark chocolate flavanols, the antioxidant in cocoa powder will help improve blood flow to the brain.
Pumpkin, squash, asparagus, tomatoes, carrots and beets contain vitamin A, folate and iron that aid with all aspects of thinking.
- Omega 3s in a diet is shown to have 26% less risk of having brain lesions that cause dementia compared to those who have not had them in their diet. Fish, flax seeds, olive oil (not safflower) or taking an Omega 3 supplement is also very helpful.
- Almonds, cashews, walnuts, hazelnuts, peanuts and pecans contain omega-3s and omega-6s, vitamin E, folate, vitamin B6 and magnesium
- Sunflower seeds and pumpkin seeds contain zinc, choline and vitamin E
- Cinnamon, sage, turmeric and cumin spices break up brain plaque and reduce inflammation of the brain which can cause memory issues. These spices also control blood glucose which are ideal for Alzheimer’s victims as they are now classed as Type 3 Diabetes.
Treatment for Dementia
To date there is no prevention or cure for most forms of dementia. Mainly support and help from families, friends and carers can lead to a positive difference in managing the condition. Most cases of Dementia are not inherited and some medications are available that will help to reduce some of the symptoms experienced by people with Dementia. These include; cognitive (memory and thinking) problems and other associated symptoms such as depression, anxiety and sleeping disturbances.
Getting help early is the key to having control
- Planning ahead while the person can still legally sign documents, delegate powers of attorney to manage financial affairs and make medical decisions on their behalf.
- Getting the right information so that there is a sense of control in what lies ahead.
- Seek the right support when they are diagnosed with dementia in order to navigate through what lies ahead and giving that power back to a Dementia victim.
- Practical help can be organised to ensure a positive outcome in the home, respite care, day trips and stays at day centres.
Where to get help
National Dementia Helpline – Dementia Australia 1800 100 500
Statistics
Dementia is the second leading cause of death of Australians under heart disease
In 2020 almost 1.6 million people in Australia are involved in the care of someone living with dementia.People with dementia account for 52% of all residents in residential aged care facilities
Navarra Cares for Dementia victims this is why it is a great opportunity to come and join us on a ‘Night of Gold’ at Le Montage where we will raise money while having the opportunity to win a trip to Las Vegas.