It’s estimated that 50% of people over the age of 65 experience some form of memory loss. If you’re experiencing issues with remembering names, dates, or certain facts, but haven’t yet been diagnosed with Alzheimer’s disease or another form of dementia, this post will help you understand what might be causing these problems and what actions you can take to improve your memory.
Sleep Well
Sleep is one of the most important factors in maintaining a healthy memory, according to Dr Bruce Grossinger. Sleep deprivation can cause memory loss, so it’s important to get enough rest each night. Quality of sleep is more important than quantity when it comes to keeping your mind sharp and active.
Sleep is also crucial for other aspects of good health, including stress relief, weight management, and overall well-being. If you struggle with insomnia or another type of sleep disorder like sleep apnea (a condition where breathing stops intermittently during sleep), speak with your doctor about treatment options that could help improve how well you rest at night–and improve all areas of health as well!
Manage Stress Effectively
Stress can have a significant impact on your memory and learning abilities. Stress can make you feel depressed, anxious, and tired. It can also affect how you act and how you feel about yourself.
In some cases, stress may lead to health problems that affect the brain such as hypertension (high blood pressure), stroke, or heart attack if left untreated. In this case, it’s important for people with these conditions not only to learn how best to manage their stress but also to seek medical advice from their doctor if necessary so they can maintain good mental health while managing their condition effectively.
Limit Your Alcohol Intake
Limit your alcohol intake, especially if you’re over the age of 60, says Dr Bruce Grossinger. Alcohol is a depressant that can cause memory loss and brain damage, as well as liver damage and heart disease. It also increases the risk of stroke and cancer–and it’s not just heavy drinking that’s dangerous: Even one drink per day has been shown to increase the chance of developing dementia by up to 40%.
Avoid Distractions
Distractions and multitasking are bad for your memory.
- Don’t play with your phone while driving, even if it’s in silent mode. Don’t even look at your phone while driving! It takes only a second of distraction to cause an accident that could injure or kill someone else (or yourself).
- If you’re reading a book, put away any other distractions like TV or podcasts–and try not to talk on the phone while reading either! The less attention-shifting between different tasks you do during this period, the better off your brain will be when it comes time for recall later on.
Stay Socially Connected
Social isolation can be a risk factor for memory loss. The risk of dementia increases with age, and social support can help you maintain a healthy brain.
To stay socially connected with friends and family, especially if you’re experiencing memory problems due to depression or loneliness:
- Go out for coffee with an old friend every week (or more often). These get-togethers must happen regularly so as not to disrupt your routine and make it easier for both of you to remember when they are scheduled.
