Dietary Intake and Cognition and Emotional Health in Older Adults

The purpose of this review of literature was to explore the relationship between food and nutrient intake and cognition and emotional health in older adults. Nutrition is a key factor in successful aging, and a healthy diet is crucial to the psychological quality of life. Healthy lifestyles have been shown to help improve longevity and overall health in older adults. The prevalence of older adults in the United States, and the world, is growing rapidly, as is the prevalence of older adults showing signs of cognitive decline, dementia, or depression. Prevention practices help decrease the risk of developing diseases and have the most impact if they are implemented before individuals reach 65 years old. Mental and emotional health disorders, such as cognitive decline and depression, are not always preventable, which is why there is a need for more evidence- based research that can be implemented into practice to help manage certain health conditions. Several studies found that the increased consumption of fruit and vegetables was linked to a reduced risk of cognitive impairment and dementia, and other research found that B vitamins are especially important in reducing the risk for negative neurological situations. Although there is no research that can definitively prove that a specific dietary intake will prevent or help manage cognitive impairment, dementia, or depression, all of the studies in this review provided data that did support a significant relationship between food intake (fruits and vegetables) and cognitive and emotional health in older adults

Herbal Supplements

Alternative medicines, specifically herbal supplements, have been increasing in their accessibility and commonality in the past few decades. In general, people believe there are more natural ways to promote healing or overall well-being. But herbal products are still not approved by the FDA. Although there have been research trials done, there is no proof that any certain natural supplement will have the same effect on different people. While researching literature about herbal supplements, I wanted to refine my search for mostly herbal supplements, essential oils, and vitamins that have been found to positively affect medical conditions, such as Attention-Deficit/Hyperactivity Disorder, cancers, pregnancy, obesity, and anxiety. While found some trials or reviews on products that significantly improved patients’ circumstances, I also found that others do not always have the same outcomes or may contradict another trial done on the same supplement. It is important for the general population to know this information, understand that there are many unknowns, and be cautious when taking herbal supplements. Natural products are often thought of as an easy answer or quick fix to a medical problem, and many of them are safe when used in moderation, but there is still no guarantee of the safety or efficacy of herbal supplements