Memory Loss Can Be Prevented By Planning

Whether you are 40 or 80 years old, you may experience those “senior moments” of memory loss when something is on the tip of your tongue but you can’t recall the information fully. Maybe you misplaced your keys or the remote control; or maybe you it takes a few seconds to remember the name of one of your grandchildren.

Whatever the case, as we begin to age, many of us get a little concerned when signs, like the ones above, start appearing that could indicate we are losing our memory; But, most of the time that is not the case.

Working in  senior home health care I’ve come to realize is that people don’t understand that  no matter your age, the brain has the ability of producing new brain cells at any age, which means the ability to learn new things and preventing memory loss is something that you can control.

Is Memory Loss a Natural Part of Aging?

As we age and get older, we may begin to notice changes in our memory and this is totally normal. This process is called Normal Age-Related Memory Loss and it is not to be confused with the signs and symptoms of Alzheimer’s disease or Dementia.

With Normal Age-Related Memory Loss you or your elder may experience noticeable changes in your memory, but these memory lapses won’t affect the quality of your life and in many cases, you will remember the details later. Below is a list of things that may be normal signs of memory loss as you age:

• Not being able to recall information on the tip of your tongue
• Going into the kitchen (or another room) and forgetting what you were supposed to do
• Forgetting names of people you just met
• Not remembering what you just read
• Forgetting appointments, items you intended to purchase at the grocery store
• Calling your grandson by your nephews name

What are Ways to Improve Memory in Seniors & the Elderly

When caring for an aging parent or elder, we know the common theme is “Planning”. If we apply the same concept to our memory, we can offset a lot of the characteristics of memory loss.

Below are a few recommendations that anyone interested in preventing memory loss should consider.

Get A Gym Membership – Regular exercise helps get more oxygen to the brain and it may also increase the effects of brain chemicals that are helpful in protecting brain cells.

Go (Eat) Green – Eating right does more that help your heart and body. You can help your memory by consuming more vegetables, fruits, whole grains and low fat sources of protein.

Turn Off The TV – Getting adequate amounts of sleep can help you focus and concentrate better.

Start a Facebook Page – Staying active socially helps in a variety of ways. It keeps away depression and can lower stress. Both of these factors can lead to memory loss.

In addition to the above recommendations, you may consider:

• Have a place for your keys, cell phone, glasses, etc and put them there when you walk into your home.

• Write things on a calendar or program on your smart phone or computer. Leave important numbers or lists on your fridge or inside of front door. Review notes each morning.

• Use descriptions to help your brain lock onto the name. For instance, next to the name John or Jane- add- cousin, or uncle- or something meaningful to you to trigger recognition. With a doctor, add the type of physician- internist or podiatrist.

There are also many other ways that you can help your aging loved one or elder parent protect their memory. The key is to do it early and often. Develop these habits early & they will help you later in life when memory loss may affect you or a loved one.

Related posts:

1. Could my memory loss really be depression?
2. Dictionary of Memory Related Terms
3. Depression and the Elderly