As they get older, many seniors experience memory loss to some degree. While everyone assumes that memory loss is inevitable for older adults, there are actually several methods that you can employ to prevent memory loss.  If you or a loved one have not yet been diagnosed with  a condition which involves cognitive loss (such as dementia or Alzheimer’s disease) these easy suggestions may assist in the process of strengthening and preserving memory. Here are a few of our favorite tips to keep you or a loved one feeling mentally sharp.

Alzheimer's Disease Venice

Prevent Memory Loss in a Loved One

Our memories hold the entire story of our lifetime. When old age arrives, a decline in memory can make an individual feel as if they are losing their sense of self. While biology and genetics do contribute to positively impacting memory and cognitive skills, there are factors outside of ourselves which contribute as well. Choosing to live in a healthy way – making the right choices – can be very beneficial in keeping the mind active and healthy. Even as we age, our brains can produce new cells and set up new neural connections. in other words, you absolutely can “teach an old dogs new tricks” – quite well, actually. Try these tips to stimulate your brain, and you may be feeling sharp well into your golden years.

  1. Eat with your preventing memory loss in mind: Food is the essential fuel of the body, and it can also feed or starve the brain. Maintaining brain health begins with the right, healthy diet. for instance, a Mediterranean diet is widely thought to be one of the healthiest regimens in the world. The diet includes fruits, vegetables, lean proteins, whole grains, beans, legumes and healthy fats — such as olive oil, nuts, and fish. The Mediterranean diet has been proven to fight disease and increase memory and attention span. Another healthy alternative is the ketogenic diet. Keto requires an individual to eat foods low in carbohydrates and high in fat. By minimizing carbs and increasing fats, your body enters ketosis; this in turn boosts your body’s efficacy in burning fat for energy. Ketosis also creates ketones from fat in the liver, which delivers energy to the brain. Any diet you undertake which stresses “real” food over processed food is going to be positive for  your brain. Specific foods which are beneficial include walnuts, blueberries, kale and spinach, avocados, eggs, cocoa, cinnamon and peppermint tea.
  2. Get moving and keep moving: Everyone knows that the key to good health resides in diet and exercise. This also goes for brain health. After setting up a healthy diet, individuals should talk to their physician about an appropriate exercise regimen. Exercise raises oxygen levels in the brain, reduces the risk of heart disease (the leading killer in the country) and diabetes, which is directly connected to memory loss. Exercise reduces stress hormones and maximizes chemicals which have a positive influence in the brain. Studies researching brain health over the age of 50  shows that aerobic activity elevated cognitive abilities, while resistance training  boosted memory, working memory, and executive function.
  3. Don’t be afraid to take a nap: This may be our favorite tool in our battle against memory loss – go ahead and take a nap! Most people need 7-9 hours of sleep per night, and the addition of an hour-long nap during the day could be enough to positively impact cognitive abilities.
    Sleep helps people to clarify and consolidate short-term memory to long-term memory. Skimping on rest may prevent your brain from making new memories.

At A Banyan Residence, we care about the holistic physical and mental health of all our residents. If your loved one needs a memory care facility in the Villages, call today for a tour and more information.