Some years ago, Mark Hatzer realized that his 82-year-old mother, Sylvia, showed early signs of dementia.
Mark had to take her to the hospital after she became a danger to herself.
The illness became so severe when Sylvia could no longer recognized her son and at one point even blamed the nurses for trying to kidn@p her.
But the British newspaper Manchester Evening News reported that she ate a specific food menu for several months and managed to regain her memory.
This could be a breakthrough in the fight against dementia.
Mark Hatzer’s father passed away because of a heart attack in 1987, so when his mother began showing signs of dementia, he was worried to lose both of his parents.
Though Sylvia received prescription drugs for her illness, Mark didn’t force her to take them. Instead, the loving son prepared a special food menu for fighting the disease, which soon developed into an advanced stage.
After Mark had performed an extensive research on the internet by himself, he found that dementia is less common in Mediterranean countries. He was convinced there had to be a reason, and that it couldn’t be just a coincidence.
Mediterranean menu fights dementia?
Mark tried to give his mother foods that are usually consumed in Mediterranean countries.
“Everyone knows about fish, but there are also blueberries, strawberries, brazil nuts and walnuts – which seem to look like a brain to give us a sign that they are good for our brains”, Mark said.
Sylvia also began to consume broccoli, oatmeal, sweet potatoes, green tea and bitter chocolate.
After a few months of strict diet, Sylvia underwent an amazing turnaround. Accordingly, her memory slowly started to return to her.
“It wasn’t a miracle that happened over night, but after a few months she started to remember things like birthdays and started to return to herself, more aware, more involved”, Mark said.
“People think that once you get the diagnosis, its over, there will be good days and bad days, but that shouldn’t be the end”.
The Alzheimer’s society in the UK is committed to the diet that changed Sylvia. People showed their support and shared recipes, exercises and blog entries.
“It’s amazing to see how Sylvia, along with Mark, has taken steps to create a personal program that works so well in fighting against dementia”, said Sue Clarke from the Alzheimer’s society.
“There is no cure or way to prevent dementia, but with easy exercises, a healthy diet and cognitive training, you can manage the disease more effectively”, she continued.
According to Dr. Doug Brown, head of the Alzheimer’s Research Department, they are still waiting for “evidence” from large scientific studies before they could confidently conclude that changing a menu could reduce the risk of dementia and at what level.
“But eating a healthy, balanced diet can reduce the risk of heart disease, cancer and stroke, so healthy eating is probably a good way to treat your brain too”, Doug said.
“I did it for my mother – she’s sick and she did all the hard work – but if what we’ve achieved can help others, that would be wonderful”, Mark said.
