What risk factors are there for memory loss
Daily life can influence your memory, such as stress, depression, insufficient sleep, alcohol abuses, and certain prescription medication as well as over the counter medication. All of these conditions may influence your ability to remember things. In addition, poor memory may be a result of dehydration. And simple not using your brain, remember the saying 'use it or lose it'.
Also:
- Insufficient antioxidants (which neutralize free radicals and reduce neurological damage)
- Insufficient exercise (women who walked more were less likely to have a decline in memory than those who didn't)
- Vitamin deficiencies (especially B 12) can sometimes be the cause of poor memory.
- Thyroid disorder
- High blood pressure
- Diabetes
- Overweight
What can you do to help keep your memory
A recent study found that people who have good memories also have high levels of vitamin E in their blood. This supports prior research that seems to indicate that vitamin E may slow mental deterioration in people with Alzheimer's.
- Eat more fresh fruits and vegetables (they contain antioxidants)
- Eat aged garlic extract
- Use the spice, curcumin
- Drink green tea
- Take a multivitamin containing vitamin C and E
- Try the herb Ginkgo biloba extract; discuss this one with your health care provider
- Walk daily/exercise
- Read, write, learn something new, do crossword puzzles/jigsaw puzzles to keep your brain functioning
Finally, Write things down, such as ideas or plans, to force your mind to register the information twice, it will help you remember. Practicing meditation will also help you to keep your memory sharp by teaching you how to focus your attention. The good news is that, while some memory loss may be an inevitable part of aging, memory is, to a large degree, retainable.
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