Are you missing your car keys? Need help finding your shopping list? Can’t recall the name of the gym’s favourite personal trainer? You’re not alone. Occasionally, everyone needs to remember things. Yet, memory loss should not be taken lightly.
While there are no guarantees for avoiding dementia or memory loss, some activities might be beneficial.
Memory loss, or the inability to recall events from the past, is one of the issues that people, as they age, are prone to experience. Several issues could cause memory loss. Lack of sleep, stress, and adverse drug reactions are a few of these. Alzheimer’s disease and other dementias can also lead to memory loss.
Memory loss can feel frightening and out of control if you or a loved one is experiencing it. After all, we depend on our memories for various activities, including daily tasks and social interactions. Depending on the underlying causes of memory loss in a particular circumstance will determine whether or not it may be effectively treated. You can, however, take some steps to deal with memory loss and its psychological implications. You will learn some coping mechanisms in this class for memory loss. These techniques can lessen some of the struggles that frequently come with memory loss, but they may not fix a problem and cannot replace medical advice.
Explore these seven simple strategies to strengthen your memory. And be aware of when to seek assistance for memory loss.
The blood flow to the entire body, including the brain, increases during physical activity. Your memory might benefit from this. The Department of Health and Human Services advises most healthy adults to engage in at least 150 minutes of moderate aerobic activity each week, such as brisk walking, or 75 minutes of vigorous aerobic exercise, such as jogging. It’s best if this activity is spread throughout the week. Try taking a few short walks for 10 minutes throughout the day if you don’t have time for a complete workout.
Like exercise keeps your body in shape, and mentally stimulating activities support brain health. Those exercises could slow some memory decline—complete crossword puzzles. Read. Play video games. Take up playing an instrument. Pick up a new interest. Participate in community work or volunteer at a nearby school.
Social engagement protects against stress and sadness. Memory loss may be a result of either of those. If you live alone, look for occasions to get together with family, friends, and others.
To manage medical issues like high blood pressure, diabetes, depression, hearing loss, and obesity, heed the counsel of your healthcare practitioner. Your memory will likely be better the better you care for yourself. Review your medication regimen with your doctor regularly. Some medicines can affect memory.
Memory loss has been linked to insufficient sleep. The same goes for rest, which is agitated or frequently interrupted. Prioritise getting adequate restful sleep. People should consistently get between 7 and 9 hours of sleep each night. Make an appointment to see your healthcare professional if your snoring keeps you up at night. Snoring may indicate a sleep condition like sleep apnea.
If your home is disorganized or your notes are jumbled up, you’re more prone to forget things. To-do lists, appointments, and other events should be recorded in a journal, calendar, or electronic planner. To assist you in remembering each entry, you might even say it aloud as you write it down. Keep your to-do lists current. Mark off the things you’ve completed. To make it simple to find your wallet, keys, glasses, and other necessities, keep them in a designated location in your home. Avoid being distracted. Avoid juggling too many tasks at once. You’re more likely to remember the information later if you concentrate on it while trying to remember it. Connecting what you’re attempting to remember to beloved music, a well-known phrase, or an idea may also be helpful.
A balanced diet is beneficial for your brain. Eat entire grains, fruits, and veggies. Choose low-fat protein options, including fish, legumes, and skinless chicken. What you also consume matters. Alcoholism can cause memory loss and confusion.
Make an appointment with your doctor if you’re concerned about memory loss. Getting assistance is crucial if memory loss interferes with your ability to carry out daily tasks if you realize your memory is deteriorating, or if a friend or family member expresses concern about it.
Your doctor will perform a physical examination and test your memory and problem-solving abilities at your appointment. Sometimes additional testing may be required. Therapy is based on the root cause of memory loss.
