It must have been heart-breaking for Mark Hatzer to realize his mother Sylvia, an 82-year-old dementia sufferer, could no longer recognize her own son. The last thing he wanted was to lose another parent but as her condition worsened, Sylvia was admitted to North Manchester General Hospital for her own safety.

During her time there, it was challenging in a number of ways. Sylvia’s memory began wavering in 2015 and she would often struggle to recall plans she made or birthdays. But it was in December 2016 that doctors diagnosed her with Alzheimer’s disease and when Mark noticed his mother’s rapid deterioration.

Failing to remember lunch plans and birthdays is understandable with age. Sylvia had even called the police and accused nurses at the hospital of kidnapping, which is forgivable. However, it was when Mark’s mom could not recognize him that he felt he “reached the lowest point of his life.”[1]

Road to Recovery: How Sylvia Hatzer Beat Dementia

Sylvia had been in the hospital for two months before doctors allowed her to be discharged from the hospital. She wasn’t yet in the clear, though. Sylvia was still exhibiting all the early signs and symptoms of dementia…[2]

• Memory problems (especially short-term)
• Increased confusion
• Trouble concentrating
• Changes in personality or behavior
• Generally withdrawn, apathetic, or depressed
• Unable to complete simple, everyday tasks

However, it was the Hatzer family’s next steps that made all the difference.

Everyone knows about fish but there are also blueberries, strawberries, Brazil nuts and walnuts – these are apparently shaped like a brain to give us a sign that they are good for the brain.”

Researcher have studied diets from Mediterranean countries (e.g., France, Italy, Spain, Croatia, Turkey) for quite some time now. Scientists and Mediterranean natives alike tout these cultural diets as being helpful for improving memory or thinking and reducing dementia risk.

According to the Alzheimer’s Society, “Mediterranean diets are traditionally high in fruits, vegetables, legumes, and cereals, with moderate consumption of oily fish and dairy, and low in meat, sugar and saturated fat.”[3]

The mediterranean diet is also rich in Omega 3s which is a key factor in brain health. Omega-3 fatty acids, particularly those found in fish oil, are essential nutrients that have been consistently linked to improved brain health and cognitive function. Scientific research has shown that these fatty acids play a pivotal role in maintaining the integrity of neuronal cell membranes and modulating inflammatory responses in the brain. A number of studies have indicated that a higher intake of omega-3s can help protect against age-related cognitive decline and reduce the risk of neurodegenerative diseases such as Alzheimer’s. Specifically, the omega-3s eicosapentaenoic acid (EPA) and docosahexaenoic acid (DHA) have demonstrated potential in promoting brain health throughout all stages of life. Thus, incorporating a source of omega-3s, such as fatty fish or high-quality supplements, into one’s diet can be a proactive measure to support long-term cognitive wellness and safeguard against mental decline.