Taking Action To Fight Memory Loss

Most people associate memory loss with aging, but according to Harvard Health Publications, you are never too young to start doing things to prevent memory problems. Waiting until memory problems are apparent increase the likelihood that you will need medications that bring along added risks of side effects. There are several easy steps that anyone can begin early to reduce memory failure. The more proactive people are, the better their chances of retaining their mental abilities long into their senior years. Here are a few simple steps you can consider to help lower the risk of memory loss.

Eat Right for Better Memory

Certain foods help increase brain function. Eating vitamin rich foods like vegetables and fruits feed the brain while also helping you prevent disease, because many are rich in antioxidants. Avoid unhealthy habits. Limit alcohol intake and put up “No Smoking” signs around the house to remind yourself to quit and keep others from polluting the area as well.

By starting as soon as possible, and continuing to practice a healthy diet, along with sleeping well, making sure you get the right vitamin intake and avoiding unhealthy habits you are priming your body to be fit and keeping your mind in shape from an early age.

Workouts for the Mind

Most people understand that exercise is good for the body, but it is good for the brain too. Even though the brain is not a muscle, and there are no sit-ups or brain building workouts that will strengthen it directly, all exercise helps increase blood flow and improves brain function. Along with a rich supply of blood and oxygen, working out also releases powerful endorphins in the brain, a hormone that makes you feel good and creates a feeling of general well-being. It is a stress reliever that takes a lot of pressure off of the body’s systems including the brain.

You don’t have to go to great lengths to workout, although a health club membership is a terrific resource. You can get plenty of extra movement if you walk instead of drive to local stores or work if it is nearby. Use stairs and avoid elevators. If you feel like strenuous workouts at a health club would be too much, or you have trouble fitting gym hours into your busy schedule, use exercise videos at home. For older people who want to workout, but have stiff, sore joints, swim at the local club or pool. Swimming is fantastic exercise that is easy on the joints.

Additional Steps to Prevent Memory Loss
Develop interesting hobbies. If those hobbies also keep you active you are one step ahead of the game. Doing things like gardening not only gives you pleasure from planting seeds and watching them grow into beautiful blossoms or food, but the act of caring for a garden provides a lot of fresh air, sunshine and movement. 

Stay social. Getting together with friends and family keeps you mentally fit, and also helps alleviate depression as you get older. Make time to enjoy get-togethers well into the senior years. One of the most destructive aspects of getting older is the isolation that can become a big part of life. Losing contact with others brings on depression, and also promotes decreased memory functions.

Take classes at a local college or online to keep your mind active no matter how old you are. Whether you decide to strive for an advanced education, or you just want to take a variety of classes to expand your horizons, you are never too old to learn new things. Read books, too, for added brain activity. Learning, reading and always searching for new information makes the world a much more interesting place while keeping your mind strong. 

How to Deal with Various Stages of Memory Loss
Develop a memory lapse strategy that fits your individual level of difficulty. Stay mentally active as long as possible. Even when you begin to notice a loss of recall, in yourself or a loved one, keep challenging your mind with memory puzzles and games. The brain is a complicated thing, but it has something in common with your muscles, if you don’t use it, you’re more likely to lose it. If there are certain areas that you find worrisome, plan ahead. For instance, if you can’t afford to be late searching for your car keys, always put them in the same spot each time you return home. If you are worried about forgetting appointments, keep a daily appointment book and write down even the most insignificant errands so you always get the things done that you want accomplished.