Benefits of probiotics and prebiotics for dementia patients
Probiotics and prebiotics are commonly known for their effective role in improving gut health. The gut is considered to be the second brain. So it comes as no surprise that prebiotics and probiotics gained attention for their benefits in supporting cognitive function and overall well-being in dementia patients. Probiotics are live microorganisms that work in tandem with prebiotics – fibres that nourish these beneficial bacteria. Together, this duo influences and enhances the delicate balance of the gut microbiota, and consequently – has a positive effect on the patient’s brain activity.
Continue reading the article and learn more about the benefits of probiotics and prebiotics for patients with dementia, find a list of foods rich in each, and get insights on how to get a daily intake of prebiotics and probiotics to enhance dementia patients’ quality of life
What are probiotics and prebiotics?
Probiotics and prebiotics are two components that are crucial in maintaining a healthy gut and promoting overall well-being. But what are the main differences and in which foods you can find them?
Probiotics are live microorganisms that you can naturally find in certain foods, such as yoghurt, sauerkraut, kimchi, and kefir. Most commonly, probiotics include Lactobacillus and Bifidobacterium species, so look for foods rich in such strains as they help restore or maintain the natural balance of beneficial bacteria in the gut, especially in cases when the illness or a poor diet causes the microbial balance. Meanwhile, prebiotics is non-digestible fibers or carbohydrates that are like fuel for probiotics.
They’re a primary food source for the good bacteria in the gut. You can find prebiotics in various fruits, vegetables, and whole grains, such as blueberries, asparagus, rice or oats. When consumed together, prebiotics and probiotics contribute to a well-balanced gut microbiota and contribute to overall well-being.
Therefore, our carefully developed supplement for dementia patients, NeuroBite, combines probiotics, prebiotics, and antimicrobial agents into a single, convenient formula. With top-notch ingredients like sonicated rice bran, berries pomace, lion’s mane mushroom, and ashwagandha, our supplement promotes a well-balanced gut microbiota and overall well-being
How can probiotics and prebiotics help patients with dementia? Top 5 benefits
Probiotics and prebiotics provide numerous benefits for gut health and overall well-being, including advantages for individuals with dementia. Here are five ways in which probiotics and prebiotics support individuals with dementia.
1. Healthier Gut-Brain Axis
Probiotics and prebiotics have a special way of communicating between the gut and the brain. This communication pathway is called the gut-brain axis. When individuals consume probiotics and prebiotics, this tandem creates a healthy bacterial microbioma in the gut. Therefore, it positively impacts the health of the brain and how well it functions. It may even help slow down cognitive decline – a process when ability to think and remember things becomes harder. So, taking probiotics and prebiotics supports the gut-brain connection and potentially help maintain cognitive function for individuals with dementia.
2. Illness Prevention
Illness prevention is crucial for dementia patients, as certain conditions like urinary tract infections (UTIs) can become a common burden that affects negatively not only the physical but also mental well-being. Fortunately, there is evidence indicating that specific probiotics may help prevent UTIs and reduce inflammation in the body.
Probiotics work by stopping harmful bacteria from growing, which can contribute to a healthier overall balance in the body. Hence, adding probiotics and prebiotics into the care routine of someone with dementia, adds a layer of protection against UTIs and other inflammatory ailments. For the best results, we advise caregivers to consult with a healthcare professional to identify the best supplement that aligns with the specific needs of their loved ones.
3. Better Digestion and Nutrient Absorption
Dementia patients often face digestive problems like constipation and nutrient absorption issues. Including probiotics and prebiotics in their daily routine can help restore a healthy gut environment and support the digestion process. Probiotics work by restoring the good bacteria in the gut, therefore, they can ease digestive problems.
Moreover, incorporating prebiotics, such as fiber-rich foods like berries or bananas, into patients’ diets provides additional benefits. Prebiotics supply essential nutrients to the body, and they also stimulate the muscles of the digestive tract. This stimulation helps the gut move more smoothly, reducing the symptoms like constipation.
4. Reduced Inflammation
Inflammation, which is the body’s response to injury or infection, can be tiring and therefore, affect the individual’s with dementia overall physical and mental well-being. Probiotics have shown the ability to influence the immune system and reduce this chronic inflammation. A daily probiotic intake ensures that the individual’s body gets nutrients essential to keep the gut healthy and keep it free from inflammations.
Meanwhile, prebiotics, fibers that nourish these beneficial bacteria, can also contribute to reducing inflammation. Prebiotics provide the body with necessary nutrients and work hand in hand with probiotics to support overall gut health and potentially impact cognitive function positively. Therefore, this combination works as the first prevention of inflammation.
5. Mood and Behavior Enhancement
The gut and brain are closely connected, and this correlation has a massive impact on the individual’s mental health. Probiotics, beneficial bacteria, have been proven to influence the production of chemicals in the brain called neurotransmitters. These neurotransmitters play a role in regulating mood and behaviour. Therefore, by incorporating probiotics in the diet, caregivers may help improve the production of these neurotransmitters in individuals with dementia, leading to better mood and behaviour.
How can dementia patients get a well-balanced daily intake of prebiotics and probiotics?
The easiest way to obtain a well-balanced daily intake of prebiotics and probiotics for individuals with dementia is simply by consuming more foods that contain live cultures and prebiotic-rich foods in the diet. For example, you can try and include probiotic-rich foods into the daily diet, such as yoghurt, kefir, sauerkraut, kimchi, or tempeh. These foods contain beneficial bacteria that can support gut health. For prebiotics, cook with more onions, garlic, asparagus, legumes, whole grains, and berries, which are nourishment for the beneficial bacteria in the gut.
Unfortunately, I have found it incredibly challenging to introduce new foods into the diet of individuals with dementia, more specifically – to my mom. The diagnosis of dementia can significantly impact their appetite, taste preferences, and ability to adapt to unfamiliar foods. This means that exploring new tastes, especially those with stronger flavours, may not give positive outcomes.
Given that my loved one, my mom, lives with dementia, my primary goal is to improve the quality of her life without putting her through the discomfort of trying foods she’s not used to. That’s why we carefully researched and developed NeuroBite, a small and delicious bite-sized product that contains all the essential probiotics and prebiotics required to support brain function. If you’re interested, you can visit the link below to learn more and even subscribe to be among the first to try it, with a special 20% discount.
Conclusion
In general, prebiotics and probiotics offer several benefits such as reducing inflammation, improving the connection between the gut and brain, enhancing digestion, and preventing certain illnesses like UTIs. However, incorporating probiotic and prebiotic-rich foods into the diet of individuals with dementia can be challenging due to changes in taste buds and adaptability to new foods.
Therefore, we recommend trying our newly developed NeuroBite. It is a convenient bite-sized bar that contains lion’s mane mushroom and ashwagandha, which provide the combined benefits of probiotics, prebiotics, and antimicrobial agents. These ingredients support brain activity and provide essential nutrients for optimal brain function in dementia patients
FAQs
Are probiotics good for dementia?
Yes, probiotics are good for dementia because they have been shown to be beneficial for individuals with dementia. Probiotics enhance gut-brain communication, improve digestion, boost mood, and offer additional benefits that can enhance the quality of life for dementia patients.
What foods are high in probiotics?
Foods that are high in probiotics are ones that contain live probiotic cultures, such as
sauerkraut, kimchi, kombucha, yoghurt, and kefir. Incorporating these probiotic-rich foods into dementia patients’ meals can contribute to a healthier gut microbiota and overall – mental and physical well-being.
What foods are high in prebiotics?
Foods high in prebiotics are garlic, onions, leek, bananas, apples, whole grains such as oats and wheat, and legumes, like lentils, chickpeas, and beans.