Staying Mentally Sharp
The best way to prevent memory loss, confusion, or decreased alertness is to stay healthy and actively use you mind.
Contrary to what many people believe, normal aging does not contribute to memory loss. When you think about all the information your brain collects and stores over a lifetime, doesn't it seem logical that it should take more time to retrieve some memories? With a little training ("use it or lose it" definitely applies here), you can improve your ability to concentrate and keep your memory sharp.
A number of factors can affect mental functioning, including:
- taking too much of a medication
- taking the wrong medication—even a smaller dose—for those who are older or weaker
- alcohol and medication interactions
- depression
- cardiac problems that reduce blood circulation, such as heart failure, coronary artery disease, or irregular heartbeats (arrhythmias)
- asthma or chronic obstructive pulmonary disease
Treating such conditions sometimes clears up problems with mental functioning.
Develop a positive attitude about your memory. Reject the notion that memory declines with age. If you expect to keep a strong memory, it is more likely to be there when you need it.
Preventing Memory Loss
You may notice it takes you longer to retrieve memories. Or you occasionally forget where you put your keys or glasses, where you parked your car, or the name of an acquaintance. This type of "memory problem" is more often annoying than serious.
The best way to prevent memory loss, confusion, or decreased alertness is to stay healthy and actively use you mind.
The following suggestions can be helpful:
- Minimize your use of medications. Overuse of medication may be the single biggest cause of memory loss among older adults.
- Eat well and drink plenty of fluids. A balanced, low-fat diet with ample sources of vitamin B12 and folate will help protect memory. Dehydration can cause confusion and memory problems.
- Exercise regularly. Keeping your body healthy will help protect your memory.
- Get plenty of rest. Many memory problems are the result of being overtired.
- Get help if you are depressed. Long-term depression has a powerful impact on memory and can cause other symptoms that mimic dementia.
- Limit your alcohol intake. Alcohol can affect memory long after you drink.
- Be a social butterfly. Spend time with others discussing current events (bonus points if you take a walk while talking) or playing cards or word games. If you'd like to get out more, find a part-time job or check out the social activities in your community.
Resources
Aging in the Know
Get updated information on health and aging.
Alzheimer's Association Maintain Your Brain
Learn ways to keep your brain healthier as you age.
American Association for Retired Person's puzzle page
Have fun online and keep your brain nimble at the same time.
Build Your Brain Power
Strive to increase your attention span and concentration. Older people have more difficulty than younger people in dividing their attention between two or more activities, so don't try to focus on too many things at once.
Take a memory improvement class.
Keep written notes. Write all your plans on a calendar or notepad that you can refer to often.
Keep your eyeglasses on a cord around your neck if you tend to misplace them.
Put your keys in a special place by the door to help you keep track of them.
Use a timer with a loud ring whenever you have something on the stove or in the oven.
Use a daily pill organizer so you remember to take your medications.