subject: Healthy Aging Tips – Improving Your Memory [print this page] Healthy Aging Tips Improving Your Memory
Memory is the capacity to register, deal with and finally retrieve information that you need to remember.
What causes declining memory in older adults
There are various factors that cause the older brain to display changes in the capacity to hold and recall memories. Chief among these are:
An older adult will experience a reduction in the flow of blood to the brain. These and other changes will cause his or her body to process essential brain nutrients less effectively than a younger individual's body can.
With the aging process, there is a gradual loss of brain neurons, which affect the actions of chemicals found in the brain known as neurotransmitters as well as their receptors.
As a part of the brain called the hippocampus is especially prone to deterioration caused by aging, it can impact your memory.
It should be kept in mind that in healthy seniors these alterations are more in the nature of a slowing down' and not a loss of the capacity to take in, retain, and recall new information. Any facts you have accrued over the decades will largely remain intact, ditto with procedural memory. While you will be able to make and retrieve fresh long-term memories, it will just take you slightly longer to do so.
Certainly, some disease or conditions like stroke, Alzheimers, poor nutrition, injuries, and other physiological and even emotion troubles can cause significant memory problems in older individuals.
Forestalling memory decline
It's an established fact that caring for your body enhances your memory. Certain habits can improve your memory including:
Drinking lots of water Toxins in your body have a negative effect on human memory. The best and easiest way to get rid of them is by drinking lots of water.
Exercising regularly Exercise has the effect of boosting oxygen supply to the brain and thus reduces risks for memory disorders and conditions like cardiovascular disease and diabetes. Exercise may have a protective effect on the brain. The latest scientific research shows that walking just 6 to 9 miles a week actually prevents shrinkage of brain tissue and slows memory loss. Scientists state that older adults who walked the most halved their risk of memory loss.
Establishing correct sleep habits - Sleep has been found essential for consolidating memory. If you do suffer from sleep disorders such as sleep apnea and insomnia you will be fatigued and your concentration too will be affected during the daytime, so it is a good idea to seek treatment for the same.
Ensuring good nutrition Most people already are aware that a balanced diet with plenty of whole grains, vegetables, fruit, and good fats offers unbeatable health benefits. However, this type of diet also has a role in sustaining and even improving memory. Studies have indicated that specific nutrients stimulate and boost brain functions.
Managing stress The stress hormone, cortisol, damages a part of the brain called the hippocampus if the stress is unrelenting. Stress also makes it tough to concentrate and think clearly.
Refraining from smoking Smoking increases risk of vascular disease many times over and this can lead to strokes as the habit constricts arteries supplying oxygen to the brain. Smoking also delays all healing processes.
