An 83-year-old woman with dementia regained her lost memory thanks to the help of her son!

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Jan , 22. 12. 2025
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Dementia is one of the most serious illnesses affecting older generations. The story of Sylvia Hatzer from Prestwitz in Manchester, who suffered from this condition, is an example that even at an advanced age and with serious illnesses, not all is lost.

The long road to recovering memory

Sylvia Hatzer was affected by dementia at the age of 83, which prevented her from recognizing not only her surroundings but also her own child. She was in such a severe condition that she could not be left without supervision and care. After her husband’s death 22 years ago and the loss of other family members, Sylvia had been the only family support in her son Mark’s life. Mark was determined to do everything he could to help his mother.

“After my father and brother died, our family became very small. My mom and I have always been very close. Suddenly she no longer remembered me and I felt completely alone,” said Mark.

Although doctors prescribed strong medications to improve his mother’s condition, Mark soon realized that these drugs were doing her more harm than good. For this reason he decided to look for alternative ways to improve her condition.

Healthy Mediterranean diet to fight dementia

Mark began studying research and discovered that in Mediterranean countries, where the Mediterranean diet is common, dementia is much less frequent. He decided to adapt his mother’s diet to those principles. Her menu included fresh foods that are rich in antioxidants and healthy fats – blueberries, strawberries, Brazil nuts, walnuts, broccoli, kale, spinach, sunflower seeds, green tea, oats and sweet potatoes.

Cognitive exercises and improvement

In addition to diet, Mark included regular cognitive exercises, such as puzzles and crosswords, which stimulated her memory and improved her cognitive functions. After a month Sylvia experienced noticeable improvement.

“The first results were visible after a few months. She began to remember birthdays, names and events. She became livelier, happier and more independent again,” Mark said. This story shows that lifestyle changes and adapting the diet can have a significant impact on improving health, even when it may initially seem hopeless.

Options for other families and an inspiring success

Mark and Sylvia were invited to the annual summer party of Queen Elizabeth as recognition of Sylvia’s achievements and Mark’s revolutionary discovery, which helped not only his mother but can also be an inspiration for families caring for a relative suffering from dementia. Mark adds: “I did this for my mother, but if it can help other people as well, I will be very happy.”

This story shows us that even by changing lifestyle and adjusting diet we can significantly influence the health and quality of life of people suffering from dementia.

Conclusion: How changing the diet can help with dementia

The story of Sylvia and Mark Hatzer is proof that dementia is not an inevitable end. Lifestyle changes, including the right diet and cognitive exercises, can have a positive effect on improving memory and overall health. If you have someone in your family suffering from this condition, it is possible to try changing eating habits and adapt the menu according to the principles of the Mediterranean diet. Perhaps this will help bring back memories!

This story is an inspiration for everyone struggling with similar problems in their family. Share it, because it is never too late to improve the health and lives of our loved ones!

Cholesterol and sugar: what really raises LDL and how to protect the liver

Eggs, liver and bacon are often labeled as the main culprits of high cholesterol. The reality is more complex. For most people, dietary cholesterol has only a limited effect on blood cholesterol levels. Much more important is the overall diet, the proportion of saturated and trans fatty acids, intake of added sugars, body weight, genetics and lifestyle. Below you will find a balanced overview of what the facts say – without myths and shortcuts.

What cholesterol is and why the body needs it

Cholesterol is a fatty substance essential for building cell membranes, producing hormones and vitamin D. In the blood it is carried in the form of lipoproteins. LDL ("bad") carries cholesterol to tissues, HDL ("good") takes it back to the liver. The goal is to keep LDL low and HDL in an appropriate range.

Dietary cholesterol vs. saturated fats and trans fats

In most healthy people, dietary cholesterol (e.g., from eggs) has only a small effect on LDL. A much stronger factor is saturated fats (fatty processed meats, high-fat cheeses, large amounts of butter) and trans fats (industrially hydrogenated fats), which raise LDL and can lower HDL. Eggs are also a source of nutrients (e.g., choline), so for most people they can be part of a balanced diet.

How added sugars and refined carbohydrates worsen the blood lipid profile

High intake of added sugars and refined carbohydrates (sweetened drinks, sweets, white bread) raises triglycerides and promotes the development of nonalcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD). The liver then more often releases VLDL/LDL particles and the overall lipid profile worsens. The liver is particularly harmed by excess fructose from sweetened drinks and syrups.

The role of choline and "healthy" fats

Choline (eggs, lean meat, legumes) helps form and export fat particles from the liver, thereby supporting its normal function. Monounsaturated and polyunsaturated fats (olive oil, nuts, seeds, fish) can lower LDL and some fractions of inflammatory lipids, if you also limit saturated fats and added sugars.

When eggs can be a problem

For a portion of the population with a genetic burden (e.g., familial hypercholesterolemia) or for people with very high LDL, even dietary cholesterol can play a larger role. In such cases, individual recommendations from a physician and a nutrition therapist are decisive.

Practical meal plan for healthy lipids and liver

  • Limit added sugars: sweetened drinks, confectionery, excess white-flour baked goods.
  • Prefer unsaturated fats: olive oil, rapeseed oil, nuts, seeds, avocado, fatty sea fish twice a week.
  • Reduce saturated fats and avoid trans fats: processed meats, fast food, toppings made from partially hydrogenated fats.
  • Eat enough protein: fish, poultry, eggs, legumes, fermented dairy products – they support satiety and muscle maintenance.
  • Fiber: vegetables, fruit, whole grains, legumes – soluble fiber helps lower LDL.
  • Alcohol in moderation: excess increases triglycerides and burdens the liver.
  • Hydration and exercise: 150–300 minutes of moderate activity per week (brisk walking, cycling), strength training twice weekly.
  • Body weight: even a 5–10% weight reduction can noticeably improve triglycerides and LDL.

Key takeaway: it's not "forbidden eggs", but the overall dietary pattern

For most people, eggs or liver alone do not "cause" high cholesterol. The key is the combination of fewer saturated fats, less added sugar and more unsaturated fats, fiber and exercise. If you have high LDL, a family history or liver disease, discuss a specific eating plan with your doctor – sometimes pharmacotherapy (e.g., statins) is also necessary.

18. 12. 2025 Jan
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