Memory loss and Aging-causes, prevention and Treatement

Memory loss in old age is quite natural, but some people experience trouble in remembering things even at an early stage. 

There are many contributing factors to memory loss but the overall idea is simple: As you age, your cells begin to show signs of wear and tear. This is manifested in the form of gray hair, wrinkles, joint pain, slower metabolism and of course gradual degradation in cognitive functioning and memory. In the end these things happen to all of us.

Causes of memory loss 

Depression: This is usually common in older adults most likely due to change in one's lifestyle like in case of retirement, loss of a loved one or moving away from home or if one is less social and active than they used to be.

Head injury or tumors: If there is a serious injury to the head it may cause memory impairment and if a tumor occurs in part of the brain involved with memory then impairment occurs. 

Side effects of Drugs and Medication: some medication may cause memory loss for example some painkillers, arthritis, blood pressure medication, sleeping pills, antihistamines, antidepressants and anti-anxiety medications.

Vitamin B12 deficiency: This vitamin is vital to proper functioning of the nervous system. The memory loss normally affects short term memory and can be permanent.

It’s no secret that aging and memory loss go hand in hand. In fact as early as your late 20’s and early 30’s you may begin to notice that it’s harder to remember phone numbers, your short-term memory is not as sharp and you’re more prone to absent-minded errors. And by the 40’s most people find that they have to take real measures to ensure that they don’t lose track of the threads that hold their lives together. 

All of this is normal, aging and memory loss happen to everyone. It doesn’t mean that you’re more prone to Alzheimer’s disease or other forms of dementia. It doesn’t mean that you’re eventually going to lose all your memory. It certainly doesn’t mean that you cannot have a healthy, quick mind. 

All it means is that you may want to take steps to keep track of things without having to rely entirely on your memory.

Of course, some people are predisposed to Alzheimer’s and other memory-impairing illness later in life. That’s why if you think your memory loss is more severe than normal; it’s a good idea to bring it up with your doctor.

Countering the effects of Memory Loss

There are some very simple steps you can take to counter the effects of aging and memory loss. Don’t be ashamed to enact some of these measures in your life. Most of them are actually pretty good things to do even if you don’t think you have severe memory problems.

1. Exercise and eat well: Exercising increases the blood supply to your brain which helps regenerate cells and keep things running smoothly.  This is only helped by a healthy, balanced diet rich in nutrients, protein, good fats and good cholesterol.

2. Sleep: Much of the brain’s self-repair occurs as we sleep. In fact, the same is true of all of the body’s systems, so if you want to slow the effects of aging and memory loss, sleep at least 8 hours per night.

3.  Use an organizer: Whether you use an old-fashioned datebook or one of the many newfangled computerized organizer programs, keeping track of dates, tasks, schedules and phone numbers in written form will help you keep on top of things. 

4.  Routine: Have routines for where you place things. For example, it helps to always put your keys and your glasses in the same spots.

5. Focus: When taking in new information, avoid multitasking. Focus on the information and internalize it by thinking about it afterward.

6. Learn something new: studies show that activities such as learning an instrument or studying a foreign language can have tremendously positive effects on memory and cognitive functioning.

Memory loss treatment is greatly dependent on the primary cause of the condition. When memory loss is due to a more severe disease, it may be reversed as soon as the core condition is cured. Memory loss due to aging cannot be cured, but the symptoms may be improved by following the above measures.

The good news is that there are some effective memory improvement techniques that help anybody enhance their memory power.

10 Foods to improve memory and promote healthy brain

Increase your brain power and improve memory by eating the right foods. Without appropriate fuel for the body, the mind will stop to function to the best of its capacity

Ensure you start your day with breakfast. According to a memory retention research done on students it was proved that breakfast aides cognitive functioning. Kids who ate breakfast improved their memory after breakfast consumption

Just as the right diet can prevent heart disease, there are foods that have been identified by health experts that can improve brain power. The Alzheimer’s Association suggests all of us follow a brain healthy diet- one that encourages good blood flow to the brain and also low in cholesterol.  This diet works well when combined with being both physically and mentally active. To improve memory and brain performance here is a list of the foods you shouldn’t avoid in your diet.

10 types of Foods to help boost your brain health

Fish and more specifically salmon: Salmon is good because it’s a good source of DHA, the predominant omega 3 fat found naturally in your brain and it’s good source of Vitamin D which provides a nutrient recently linked with warding off cognitive decline. Eating fish will speeds up your brain waves, and improves concentration.

Olive oil has been shown to improve memory. It may also be an effective weapon against ADDLs –Alzheimer’s inducing proteins that are toxic to the brain. It’s also rich in oleocanthal, a compound known to disable ADDLs.

Foods high in antioxidants. These foods include: blackberries, kale, raisins, blueberries, garlic, strawberries and spinach. Antioxidants protect all your brain cells. As you get older you tend to forget new things. Blackberries provide antioxidants that reduce inflammation and encourage communication between neurons helping us remember new information. Spinach on the other hand is loaded with nutrients like vitamin E, K and folate that will keep your brain healthy. Neurology study done in 2006 reveals that eating three servings of leafy green, yellow and cruciferous vegetables a day can delay cognitive decline by 40%.

Coffee: drinking coffee loads you with caffeine and plenty of antioxidants and researchers believe these could be it’s protective benefits. A recent Finnish study found that drinking 3-5 cups a day when you are in your 40’s and 50’s reduced the odds of developing Alzheimer’s by 65% compared to those who enjoyed less than two cups a day.

Chocolate: It has been proven that chocolate can keep your mind sharp. A Nutrition study found that eating as little as 1/3 of an ounce of chocolate a day helps protect against age-related memory loss.

Fiber rich foods: Toxic build-up in the body and brain can cause "brain fog." People often report clearer thinking as one of the benefits of curing their constipation. One simple way to increase fiber intake is to power up on bran. Oat bran is high in soluble fiber, which has been shown to lower blood cholesterol levels. Wheat, corn, and rice bran are high in insoluble fiber, which helps prevent constipation.

Red wine and Grape juice:  Drink red wine in moderation. It is rich in antioxidants, which protect brain cells. One glass per day for women and two for men is usually considered a safe and moderate amount.

Apples: apples are a leading source of quercetin; an antioxidant plant chemical that protects brain cells and keeps your mental juices flowing. Researchers have found that quercetin protects your brain cells from attack by free radicals which can damage the outer lining of delicate neurons and eventually lead to cognitive decline.

Cinnamon and Curry: According to emerging research, Cinnamon has two compounds that are able to inactivate proteins that bring on the death of brain cells. Curry has a principle spice-turmeric that is rich in curcum a compound believed to inhibit Alzheimer’s by: fighting inflammation and lowers cholesterol hence improving blood flow to the brain.

Nuts. Nuts have amino acids and minerals that are beneficial to the brain and these include almonds and walnuts. They are good for boosting mental power.

Vitamin supplements. In studies, children scored higher on tests when on a regimen of daily vitamin supplements. "Experts" will tell you that if you eat a balanced diet, you don't need supplements, which, given the culture in most countries, is really just a sales pitch for vitamins, isn't it? Who eats a perfectly balanced diet? supplements also act as food for the brain.

Well there you have it; the foods that will help boost your mental brain power. Try adding one or more of these to your diet. While considering the above stay away from foods that cause subtle allergies. They cause digestive problems and brain fog in some people.

Do not over eat. Overeating has the immediate effect of redirecting more blood to the digestive process, leaving less for the brain. If you want to improve your memory or are concerned about your own personal risk of Alzheimer’s, now is the time to adopt brain healthy way of eating as a natural approach to keeping your brain healthy.