September 21 is earmarked as World Alzheimer’s Day, by Alzheimer’s Disease International to raise awareness about Alzheimer’s and dementia. Launched in 2012, the day is aimed at educating people about this neurological condition and helping those suffering from the disorder.

Alzheimer’s is a progressive neurodegenerative disorder, where brain functions decline with the age, bringing about instances of delusion, forgetfulness, depression and irritability. This ailment is difficult not just on the patient, but also on their families, as they painstakingly watch their loved ones forgetting everything and everyone around.

Unfortunately, even today there exists a stigma attached to mental disorders, not just in India, but globally too.

The main goal of this health day is to showcase how common illnesses negatively impact cognitive functions, particularly with the older adults. It also lays emphasis on how everybody must develop an inclusive attitude, to improve the quality of life of an Alzheimer’s patient.

The focus is also on educating the public about useful diet, exercise and lifestyle tips, to prevent the chances of obtaining Alzheimer’s disease. Wholesome diet such as legumes, green vegetables, fruits and nuts packed with all the essential nutrients namely carbohydrates, proteins, fats, vitamins, minerals and antioxidants are crucial in such scenarios. These will certainly assist in improving the memory, mood, cerebral activity, productivity and rational thinking in later years of life.

In this regard, we bring you two delicious and nourishing recipes, that you can whip up in a jiffy and incorporate into the regular meals of an Alzheimer’s patient to effectively augment memory, improve concentration, expand intellectual capabilities and promote overall brain health. Also Read: Dementia: Causes, Symptoms and Treatment.

Brain Booster Juice

Ingredients:

1 apple, with peel, cut into small pieces

1 small beetroot, with skin, chopped

2 medium carrots, unpeeled, finely sliced

10 large spinach leaves

A few sage leaves

1 cup water

Crushed ice

Method:

Blend the slices of apples, beetroots, carrots, spinach and sage leaves thoroughly in a mixer, adding some water.

Filter out the pulpy extract using a strainer.

Transfer the crushed ice to tall glasses and pour the thick juice on top.

Serve the brain booster juice chilled.

Nutrition:

Apples avert the weakening of the neurotransmitter acetylcholine, thereby augmenting memory. Beetroot is loaded with nitrates that promote blood flow to the brain. Carrots abound in luteolin, an anti-inflammatory that protects the nervous system from age-related decline in function. Spinach is a powerhouse of vitamin K which ensures optimal calcium supply to brain cells. Sage is packed with antioxidants which significantly improve cognitive capabilities.

Mood Lifter Crush

Ingredients:

3 sprigs of celery

1 cup blueberries

2 cups chilled water

Method:

Put the celery leaves and blueberries in a high-speed juicer, along with some cold water and blend into a homogenous mix.

Strain the liquid portion using a sieve.

Pour equal amounts of chilled water into two mugs, add the mood lifter crush and serve cold. Also Read:Kylie Jenner Loves Her Celery Juice. Here's Why You Should Drink It Too

Nutrition:

Celery is bestowed with a natural quality of boosting GABA (gamma amino-butyric acid) levels, a neurotransmitter in the brain, which is crucial to elevate moods and calm the nerves. Blueberries, being rich in plant compounds called anthocyanins, are extremely beneficial in building intelligence and slowing down ageing of neurons.