Six Ideas To Train Your Brain And Avoid Memory Loss
The significant loss of our memory is not an inevitable part of the aging process, especially certain types of memory, such as memory of the distant past.
This is why it is important to distinguish between what is normal and what is not when there is memory loss and forgetfulness.
Although many older people complain of memory loss and feel frustrated because they cannot remember certain things, most of the time these oversights are not a cause for concern as aging produces changes in memory, which do not occur. have nothing to do with dementia or Alzheimer’s disease.
In fact, with aging, we experience certain physiological changes that can cause failures in the functioning of the brain, which takes more time to learn or forget (codify, store or access information).
The good news is that the brain is able to produce new neurons at any age, so significant memory loss can be avoided as we age.
What happens is similar to the loss of muscle strength when it is not used or maintained.
Lifestyle, health habits and daily activities have a great impact on health in general, and the health of the brain in particular.
Regardless of age, there are many ways to improve cognitive skills and prevent memory loss.
Indeed, the practices that allow healthy aging and maintain physical vitality also contribute to the preservation of a healthy memory.
Tips to prevent memory loss
# 1: exercise regularly
Exercising helps encourage neural development and reduces the risk of disorders associated with memory loss, such as diabetes or cardiovascular disease.
Exercising is one of the easiest ways to deal with stress and relieve anxiety and depression, which also helps maintain a healthy brain.
# 2: have a social life
People who maintain relationships with relatives or friends are less likely to suffer from memory problems than lonely people who have no social life.
Indeed, social interaction helps to maintain brain functions because it involves certain mental challenges, such as remembering specific dates or details of one’s life.
In addition, as in the previous case, social life also helps prevent stress and depression.
# 3: take care of your diet
Eating foods rich in antioxidants helps control oxidation in cells, such as those in the brain.
Foods high in omega-3 fats are especially good for the brain. However, consuming too many calories can increase the risk of developing memory loss and / or cognitive deterioration.
It is also necessary to avoid the consumption of saturated fats and trans fatty acids, which contribute to increase the levels of cholesterol and thus the risk of suffering from cerebrovascular diseases.
# 4: control stress
The stress hormone cortisol damages the brain over time and can lead to memory problems.
People with anxiety or stress suffer more from memory loss and have problems learning and concentrating, regardless of their age.
# 5: get enough sleep
Sleep is necessary for the consolidation of memory, as well as for the process of forming and storing new memories.
In addition, lack of sleep reduces the growth of new neurons in the hippocampus and causes problems with memory, concentration and decision-making.
It can even lead to depression which is one of the other enemies of memory.
# 6: don’t smoke
Smoking increases the risk of developing cardiovascular disorders that can cause strokes and choke the arteries that deliver oxygen to the brain.
Some strategies to keep the brain active
In the same way that physical exercise helps to keep muscles agile, flexible and strong, mental exercise helps to keep the brain in good condition.
Here are some ideas for maintaining the brain:
– Play strategy games, such as chess or card games.
– Make crosswords, puzzles and sudokus.
– Read regularly.
– Learn new things, take lessons according to everyone’s interests.
– Play an instrument.
– Engage in a project that requires planning (for example maintaining a vegetable garden or a flower garden)
In any case, if you observe memory loss recurrently and for long periods of time, it is better to consult a specialist so that he judges and assesses your personal situation.
