8 Ways to Keep Your Memory in Shape
Memory loss, dementia and Alzheimer’s are more common than before. The cause might be related to diet, contaminants and hereditary. Let’s be honest, memory loss is also a normal part of aging. There are other factors that can also affect younger people such as sedation medications, diabetes or low thyroid hormone, stress, lack of sleep and social isolation.
Read more: Dementia and Alzheimer’s: What Are the Differences? by Healthline
Do you know that it is never too late to improve your memory or to keep it sharp? Here are some tips for you to try:
- Learn a new language or skill. Senior centres or recreation centres always offer activities at a very reasonable price. Check them out.
- Exercise daily. Exercise helps to keep not only your muscles and joints healthy but obviously also your brain.
- Volunteer. Give back to an organization that you care about. You will also experience interaction and social aspects with other people.
- Do puzzles. Start with a few pieces and then increase up to 1,000 pieces! It takes a lot of patience and it challenges your brain by finding the right piece to fit with others.
- Read more: 10 Games and Puzzles to Exercise Your Brain by Healthline
- Eat a healthy diet. According to a new University of Alabama at Birmingham study, following a Mediterranean diet is a very good way to avoid developing memory problems because it includes lots of fish and olive oil that are rich in omega-3 fatty acids, several vitamins and minerals.
- Meditate. Meditation and relaxation techniques have been shown to improve short-term memory in people of all ages, from people in their 20s to the elderly.
- Improve your sleep quality. To keep your mind sharp, try to have between 7-9 hours sleep. If you want to improve your sleep or you struggle with insomnia, read my latest blog here:
- Limit your alcohol intake. Drinking too much alcohol affects your memory and brain functions.
- Manage your chronic condition. High blood pressure, diabetes, depression and obesity can affect your memory. Indeed, the use of medications can also alter your memory function. Consult your physician and pharmacist if you are concerned.
Getting old is no joke! My grandma and almost all her siblings have Alzheimer’s. It is a terrible degenerative disease and it is not only affecting her but also people around her, including my parents. The disease affects her memory and she now accuses people of stealing stuff. My grandma would not hurt a fly!
Several years ago, I read that one of the solutions to keeping a healthy brain and pushing away memory loss is to learn a new language. Now that I speak English, let’s hope that I won’t have dementia or Alzheimer’s!
Read more: 14 Natural Ways to Improve Your Memory by healthline