How Milwaukee Catholic Home Uses the MIND Diet to Support Senior Wellness

At Milwaukee Catholic Home, we believe that mealtime is more than just food on a plate—it’s a daily opportunity to support wellness, spark joy, and build community. That’s why our dining program is guided by our expert Registered Dietitian, Lauren Shore, who brings over a decade of professional experience to our table.

Lauren has been part of the Milwaukee Catholic Home family for the past 15 months, but her career in dietetics began in 2015 here in Milwaukee after completing her Bachelor of Science in Dietetics with a Concentration in Chemistry from SUNY Oneonta (2014) and her dietetic internship at Cornell University (2015). Her passion for nutrition and wellness has guided her work in creating seasonal menus rooted in the MIND Diet—a research-backed approach proven to promote brain health, reduce cognitive decline, and support healthy aging.

Through Lauren’s expertise, every meal served is not only delicious and visually appealing, but also thoughtfully designed to nourish both body and mind.And this summer, our menus are getting a flavorful refresh with farm-fresh produce from Clare Gardens, grown just miles away in Neosho, Wisconsin. The result? Meals that are as nutritious as they are delicious—made with local ingredients, tailored for senior health, and bursting with summer flavor.

Why the MIND Diet Matters for Senior

The MIND Diet—short for Mediterranean-DASH Intervention for Neurodegenerative Delay—is a hybrid of the Mediterranean and DASH diets. Research shows that it can significantly lower the risk of Alzheimer’s disease and slow age-related cognitive decline.

For seniors, following the MIND Diet can:

• Support memory and cognitive function
• Reduce inflammation and oxidative stress
• Promote heart health, which is directly linked to brain health
• Help maintain a healthy weight and digestive balance

It focuses on foods rich in antioxidants, omega-3 fatty acids, vitamins, minerals, and fiber, with an emphasis on leafy greens, berries, nuts, legumes, whole grains, lean proteins, and healthy fats.

At Milwaukee Catholic Home, our Registered Dietitian carefully crafts each menu to incorporate these principles while ensuring meals are flavorful, satisfying, and easy to enjoy for older adults.

Fresh from the Farm to Your Fork

Thanks to Clare Gardens, we’re able to bring locally grown vegetables, herbs, and fruit directly to our residents’ plates. Seasonal eating means better taste, higher nutrient content, and the satisfaction of knowing exactly where your food comes from.

Recipes Designed for Senior Health

Each recipe is created with senior nutrition needs in mind—prioritizing easy-to-chew textures, balanced portions, and nutrient density. The combination of local, farm-fresh ingredients and MIND Diet principles makes for meals that truly nourish both body and mind. Read below for recipes and how each recipe has ingredients that support the MIND Diet.

1. Loaded Breakfast Bowl with Homemade Granola & Fresh Berries – Recipe here >>

• Rolled oats: High-fiber starch that supports healthy gut bacteria and lowers LDL cholesterol
• Nuts: Excellent source of vitamin E, which protects the brain from age-related damage
• Fresh berries: Rich in polyphenols that reduce inflammation and oxidative stress

2. Strawberry-Feta Salad – Recipe here >>

• Leafy greens: Packed with vitamin K, lutein, and folate for neuron health and neurotransmitter support
• Strawberries: Anti-inflammatory and antioxidant-rich
• Nuts: Healthy fats and vitamin E for brain protection

3. Lentil Veggie Soup – Recipe here >>

• Legumes: High in soluble fiber and prebiotics to support gut health and heart health
• Colorful vegetables: Contain compounds that reduce the risk of Alzheimer’s and cognitive decline

4. Baked Salmon with Mango Salsa – Recipe here >>

• Fatty fish: Rich in DHA & EPA to enhance brain function and reduce inflammation
• Mango salsa: A bright mix of vitamins, fiber, and antioxidants from colorful fruits and veggies

5. Ratatouille over Pasta – Recipe here >>

• Garden vegetables: Nutrient-dense, antioxidant-rich, and full of brain-protective phytonutrients
• Whole grain pasta: Provides steady energy and supports heart health

Connect With Us

Interested in learning more about our organization or getting to know our team? Reach out to outreach@trinityseniorservices.org to schedule a meeting today!