Ever walk into a room in your home with a keen sense of purpose and then have absolutely no idea why you’re there? Or completely forget where you left your keys or phone? How about remembering perfectly what you ate on a family picnic umpteen years ago, but completely forgot what you had for dinner yesterday evening? And do you sometimes struggle to find the right words when talking to someone, or find it difficult to organise daily activities or learn new skills?
You are not abnormal
Then welcome to the not-so-thrilling world of age-related memory loss, also known as mild cognitive impairment (MCI). Whilst not everyone will experience this, according to altzheimer.ca, around 40% of us aged 65 and over will be affected in some way.
However, this does not mean we are any more or less likely to develop dementia, or Alzheimer’s – the most common cause of dementia.
That said, if you or someone you know is experiencing significant memory problems that are affecting everyday life, it is advisable to see your GP who can organise a proper evaluation and diagnosis.
All is not lost
Whilst age-related memory loss is a natural part of the ageing process and cannot be entirely prevented, there are several measures you can take to both maintain and even improve your memory:
Stay mentally active
Engage in activities that stimulate your brain such as reading, writing, jigsaw puzzles, chess or Sudoku. And learning a new skill or language will also help to keep your mind active and enhance cognitive functioning.
Maintain a healthy lifestyle
A growing body of research suggests that adopting a healthy lifestyle can have a positive impact on our memory. This includes regular exercise, eating a balanced diet rich in fruit, vegetables, pulses, whole grains, lean proteins, oily fish (such as salmon, mackerel, herring and trout which are rich in omega-3 fatty acids, considered essential for brain function), managing stress levels, getting sufficient good quality sleep, keeping properly hydrated throughout the day, ditching the fags if you still smoke, and drinking alcohol in moderation. And a very recent report has shown that drinking just two cups of tea a day can also help protect the memory as we age, due to the presence of naturally occurring chemicals called flavanols. Just go easy on the Hobnobs!
Stay socially engaged
Regularly engaging in social activities, maintaining a strong support network, connecting with family and friends, participating in community groups, and maintain meaningful – possibly romantic – relationships, all play an important part in our cognitive health.
Manage chronic conditions
Certain medical conditions such as diabetes, high blood pressure and depression, can all affect our memory and cognitive function. So it’s really important to have regular check-ups with your GP or healthcare provider, and monitor any medications you may be on.
Write it down!
Never underestimate the power of a pen and paper! Writing down lists for shopping or tasks you need to do, and using planners, calendars and digital reminders will all help reduce stress – and help you remember things.
Stick to a routine
Establishing a daily routine can help you remember things, and help you stay organised: Consistency in your habits and schedule can make it a lot easier for your brain to recall information.
Supplements?
Here at Regenerated Me, our view on the efficacy of certain supplements to help boost your memory is that the verdict is out. There may well be a wonder-pill or potion out there, and of course, you can conduct your own research. However, ultimately, there is no substitute for a healthy, balanced diet as mentioned above.
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