5 Lifestyle Tips to Prevent Age-Related Memory Loss

We’ve all blanked on someone’s name or forgotten where we left our keys. When you’re young, this may cause us to be a little late on occasion. However, when we are older, this may cause concern. Memory lapses can be frustrating, but most of the time simple lifestyle changes can keep your memory sharp as you age and help prevent age-related memory loss.

Age-Related Memory Loss

The good news is, your brain can produce new brain cells at all ages, so memory loss does not have to come with age. However, the brain is a muscle just like any other and if you don’t exercise it the strength will wane. Your lifestyle habits play an enormous role in your health as you age, especially in regards to memory. Whatever your age, you can prevent memory loss.

Common Causes of Memory Loss

• The hippocampus, which is responsible for the formation and retrieval of memories, often becomes damaged over time.
• Hormones that stimulate neural growth decline with age.
• Blood flow to the brain decreases with age.

How to Protect Your Mind

1. Physical Activity. Being active increases blood flow through your whole body, which includes your brain. This helps your memory stay sharp because it can combat the natural decrease in blood flow that occurs with age. 
2. Stay Mentally Active. As we said before, your brain is a muscle and just like any other the more you use it the stronger it becomes. Try your hand at sudoku or other brain-teaser games.
3. Socialize. Maintaining a robust social calendar is key to staving off memory issues. This is due to the effect socialization has on decreasing depression and stress which can greatly affect your memory. 
4. Get Sleep. Sleep plays an important role in many cognitive functions like emotional management and memory consolidation. This is the mental process of organizing memories for later recall.
5. Eat Well. Eating a healthy diet is just as good for your mind as it is for the rest of you. A diet high in LDL cholesterol can damage arteries, affecting your blood flow throughout the body. 

When to seek help for memory loss

If you’re worried about memory loss, especially if memory loss affects your ability to complete your usual daily activities, talk to your doctor. Your doctor will conduct a physical exam, as well as check your memory and problem-solving skills.

Sometimes, other tests are needed. Treatment will depend on what’s contributing to your memory loss.

Want to learn more scientific tips and tricks about aging well? Here is your FREE A-Z guide on Living and Aging the Way You Want. Click the icon and get your copy today!

Twin Lakes is a continuing care retirement community in Cincinnati, Ohio, offering villa homes, apartments, rehab services and more. We’re focused on supporting the vibrant and active lifestyles of our residents so they can age well. For more information, contact Twin Lakes online or at 513-247-1300.