Living with Memory Loss, Alzheimer's & Mild Cognitive Impairment by:Stephanie McIntyre & Kamau Austin

Memory loss may affect us with greater frequency

, as we get

older. A certain amount of memory loss is to be expected. But

there is a big difference between the normal forgetfulness that

comes with aging and debilitating mental illnesses such as

Alzheimer's disease.

Most people forget where they placed their keys from time to

time or the name of a recent acquaintance. These minor lapses

in memory are normal and may be, to some degree - age-related.

But age-related memory loss doesn't prevent you from living a

full life. People with memory loss due to more serious

conditions than the normal memory loss mentioned above, find

that the memory loss is actually interfering with their ability

to go about their life, normally and affects their quality of

life.

With normal memory loss those affected frequently have a good-

natured attitude to about it and may even joke about their

inability to remember. People with more serious memory problems

may have the felling that something is not quite right and may

actually try to hide their symptoms.

Age related memory loss usually remains pretty stable after its

initial onset, unlike the memory loss associated with

Alzheimer's which tends to get worse over time.

Some additional signs of Alzheimer's disease may include,

asking the same question multiple times after receiving an

initial answer; inappropriate use of words; inability to follow

a recipe, or other steps to completing a task; becoming lost

while driving or walking on familiar streets. In additions,

sudden mood or behavior changes for no apparent reasons, may

signal that something is not right.

It is important to seek medical attention, quickly if you

experience

any of these symptoms. These symptoms can be indicative of

conditions other than Alzheimer's; conditions that are

reversible and treatable if diagnosed in time. Even Alzheimer's

disease responds to some treatments and the prognosis is better

for those who seek medical treatment for the disease, than those

who don't.

Between the normal experience of forgetfulness that comes with

aging and Alzheimer's is a transitional stage called Mild

Cognitive Impairment of MCI.

While MCI can affect many areas of cognition or thinking.

Researchers find that it affects memory most often. The number

of people with MCI in the general over 65 non-demented

population is not known but some believe it may be as high as 20

percent.

Again, as with Alzheimer's, memory loss which goes beyond the

normal range, may signal MCI. The criteria for a diagnosis of

amnesia MCI are similar to Alzheimer's disease, just not as

severe and with the absence of dementia.

So, what can you do to prevent memory loss and keep your mind

sharp? Below are a few of the things that are shown to help you

keep your wits about you:

- Stimulating activities: Either a job that is mentally

challenging or learning new skills, such as learning to play a

musical instrument.

- Stay physically fit: Research shows that higher physical

activity correlates to lower mental decline. Exercise also

helps us feel more energetic and alert.

- Eat healthy: A diet rich in fruits and vegetables and lower

in fats and empty carbohydrates provide us with antioxidants

which may help prevent cholesterol from damaging the inner

lining of our arteries, which slow the flow of blood to our

brains.

- Drink alcohol in moderation: People who drink heavily for

years can experience permanent brain damage and are at higher

risk for dementia than non-drinkers and those who drink

moderately.

- Good Supplementation: Some herbs along with vitamins B12 and

vitamin C have recently been shown to be effective in promoting

good mental health and functioning. It is important to be sure

that you get the proper concentration and dosage when using

vitamins. This is sometimes easier said than done.

To be sure that you are getting the proper combination of

vitamins, herbs and minerals to promote good brain functioning

you may want to try Neurovar.

Neurovar is an all natural and safe formula using clinically

substantiated ingredients aiding overall cognitive function. Neurovar

we hear is an all natural and safe formula using clinically substantiated

ingredients aiding overall cognitive function. Its makers purport that it is

the complete brain function formula and is available today to help

support both brain function and protection of cerebral health.

About the author

Stephanie McIntyre and Kamau Austin are health and fitness

enthusiasts and advocates. They write on a regular basis on

timeless health and fitness tips at the Fit After Forty Blog.

See more useful health and fitness

news and tips at http://www.healthandfitnessvitality.com/blogs/fitnessblog.htm

kamau@searchengineplan.com

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