Whether it’s misplacing your car keys or forgetting items on your shopping list, all of us have had the occasional lapse in memory. Some amount of memory loss is considered a normal part of the aging process. But that doesn’t mean there’s nothing you can do about it. Here are some tips to improve memory loss:
- Improve Physical Fitness: Research studies show even a short bout and moderately intense exercise can stimulate brain function. For sustained benefits, try to exercise for at least 150 minutes a week or 30 minutes every day.
- Play Brain Games: Crossword puzzles, chess, bridge, learning to play a musical instrument or new skill, and other mentally challenging activities will help improve cognitive function.
- Eat Healthy: Refined sugar is bad for your brain as well as your waistline. Stay away from processed foods and increase your intake of fresh fruits and vegetables instead.
- Prioritize Sleep: Poor-quality sleep can cause significant brain deterioration and memory loss. You need at least 7-8 hours of sleep every day to properly consolidate your memories and store information in manner that can be recalled easily in the future.
- Be Active Socially: Consistent social interaction with friends and family helps protect memory, especially during the later years of life.
- Practice Meditation: Studies show that regular meditation increases blood flow to the brain which help reduce stress and boost memory.
- Get a Regular Health Checkup: The better you take care of yourself by not missing your annual health checks and managing chronic conditions such as heart disease, high cholesterol, and diabetes; the better you be able to protect your memory.
- Learn Memory Tricks: Techniques such as using acronyms, rhymes, or visual images can be used to retain and improve memory.
- Quit Smoking: Smoking reduces your memory capacity has it reduces the amount of oxygen delivered to your brain.
- Be More Organized: Jot down your daily tasks, and appointments; and organize your workspace. You are more likely to be forgetful if your desk is cluttered and unorganized.
While the effects of aging on memory decline cannot be totally reversed, practicing the above tips will help you better access past details allowing you to lead a more fulfilling and productive life.
If your memory loss is negatively impacting routine activities and is caused by an illness, the condition could be reversed by treating the underlying illness. Visit our neurology specialists for an in-depth evaluation and personalized treatment recommendation.
North Suffolk Neurology is a full-service Neurology, Headache Medicine, and Sleep Medicine practice consisting of dedicated, experienced staff committed to helping our patients and their families maintain and improve their health. To schedule an appointment, please call: (631) 364-9119.
