These days, people are constantly juggling demanding work schedules and numerous commitments, so it’s no surprise that forgetfulness has become a common issue. Aging can also contribute to memory lapses, but when they happen too frequently, it might be time to see a doctor.

When Mark Hatzer noticed his mother struggling to remember things, he became concerned. As her condition worsened, she was hospitalized and diagnosed with dementia.

Sadly, her memory continued to deteriorate, and eventually, Sylvia could no longer recognize her own son.

“When my mum was in hospital, she thought it was a hotel — but the worst one she had ever been in,” Mark shared. “She didn’t recognize me and phoned the police, thinking she had been kidnapped.”

Losing his mother to this illness was devastating, especially since he had already lost his father in 1987.

“We were a double act that went everywhere together,” he said. “I felt completely alone with no other family to turn to. Overnight, we went from a happy family to one in crisis.”

But Mark wasn’t ready to give up. Determined to fight dementia, he researched ways to help his mother and discovered that Mediterranean countries had lower rates of the disease due to their diet. So, he created a special meal plan for Sylvia, focusing on “brain-boosting” foods.

“Everyone knows about fish, but there are also blueberries, strawberries, Brazil nuts, and walnuts—these are even shaped like a brain, as if giving us a sign that they’re good for the mind,” he explained.