There’s a difference between having a “senior moment” and the early signs of a severe cognitive disease and PeachTree Place Assisted Living have compiled some simple tips for memory loss. Forgetting family member’s names, what keys are used for, why shoes are important, and getting lost in familiar places can be signs of a severe cognitive disease. Simple lapses in memory such as forgetting where your glasses are, and not recalling the name of your neighbor’s dog are natural and happen to even those who aren’t seniors.
Reasons For Memory Loss
Some of the leading causes of memory loss are a decrease in brain cells and the reduction in blood flow to the brain. Stress, depression, dehydration and vitamin deficiencies can all lead to mental confusion and lapses in memory to anyone at any age. Different areas of the brain naturally deteriorate over time due to the aging process, that is why proper lifestyle habits and nutrition are important for our changing bodies.
Tips For Memory Loss
The good news is that memory loss is not the inevitable sentence of aging and studies show that the human brain can produce new cells at any age. It’s true that our brains are like a muscle and if we don’t exercise our minds, they will begin to degenerate, which is why it’s important to engage our thoughts to combat the decreased flow of blood as our bodies slow down. Here are a few important tips to fight off memory loss:
- Eat Well
- Stay Social
- Exercise
- Sleep Well
- Manage Stress
Eating Well
Of course, eating fruits and vegetables will help our brains function better, but also be aware of certain vitamins. C, E, B6, and B12 are essential to obtaining healthy brain functions. Omega-3 which is found in fish and nuts will help boost your memory. Drinking teas containing antioxidants has been shown to improve brain function as well. Some foods to avoid or enjoy in moderation are red meat, whole milk, butter, cheese, ice cream, and alcohol. Research has shown that eating too much fatty snack foods can result in memory loss, Alzheimer’s, and dementia.
Stay Social
Making time for friends and loved ones is essential to maintaining a healthy memory because it reduces stress and leads to a daily habit of positive interactions. This can be as easy as calling someone on the phone, having lunch with a friend, or striking up a conversation at a social event. Simply being among people, without speaking, is considered social, and is better than sitting alone in silence.
Exercise
Doing at least 45 minutes of aerobics exercise, three days a week will significantly boost the blood flow to your heart and your brain. Set a goal to walk every day, and your memory will thank you for the habit.
Sleep Well
Try to get between 7.5-9 hours of sleep every night. Your hippocampus, which is considered the center of your memories will remain more robust than a person who deprives themselves of a full nights rest.
Manage Stress
One of the easiest ways to manage stress is to meditate. Research has shown that an individual who meditates on a regular basis can strengthen their cerebral cortex, thus helping to keep their memories and quicken their neural receptors. Meditation can be as easy as sitting quietly in a comfortable position and focusing on your breathing.
Assisted Living In Ogden
Serving the Ogden and West Haven, Utah areas, PeachTree Place Assisted Living is here to help your loved ones retain their memory functions by offering all the joy that life can provide in a comfortable assistant living facility. Contact us to schedule a visit or ask about our fun activities and social events that we have to offer.
