Everything you need to know about memory loss for seniors

Memory loss is normally associated with lifestyle habits and so changing some of them can be helpful.

Unique ways to help to gain the memory

1. Mental and physical exercises- challenging the brain is an important step in improving memory; regular brain exercises such as trying out online puzzles, chess and card games help to keep the brain moving for seniors. Such challenges also help the brain to grow and expand, which enables restoring of both long term and short term memories.

Ensuring that there is some type of workout helps, too, and it doesn’t really have to be strenuous exercises; they can try out hiking, swimming, jogging and even dancing. PubMed Central has carried out tests before that show that light aerobic exercises have improved memory in patients with Alzheimer’s.

1. Organizing the house- this might not seem like a logical thing, but encouraging the elderly to sort clothes, re-arrange sitting and sleeping arrangements and organizing calendars can help them to keep their minds in motion. When things are cluttered all over the house, there’s a higher chance of forgetting things than when they’re well arranged. This organization, therefore, subconsciously makes them confident and sure of themselves, and it helps to bring back memories.

Keeping things in order is usually seen as a therapeutic method, and so when they feel calm and at peace, some memories are restored easily as a result. Keeping to-do lists and checking off when you’re done with an activity is another way to keep things going.

1. Taking a class- taking classes ensures that the brain cells are invigorated with information every time, and this creates more room for recalling stuff that might have been forgotten. Some colleges and universities, such as the University of Alaska and Rhode Island College, offer low and even free courses for seniors. Learning new subjects or skillsets helps to ensure that the brain cells are able to communicate with each other well and hence keep them active, which is important for the elderly, and all the information gotten refreshes the mind.

2. Meditation- this is one of the most effective ways of memory restoration because meditation increases blood flow to the brain, which further reinforces memory capacity. This is because a lot of concentration is needed, which keeps the body calm and mind at ease, and the person tends to let go, which creates room for regaining memory. It also helps to reduce stress

3. Reducing intake of sugar- sugar has been proven to be a source of memory loss, and so the elderly should avoid any sugary foods because even if they might feel rewarded, they lead to consequences later. It’s, therefore, better to try out alternatives such as fruits and fruit juices instead of processed sugars which normally have additives.

These processed sugars are harmful to the brain as they lead to slow cognitive function and reduce memory and attention hence increasing the risks of dementia. Limiting such intakes will therefore help in recovering the memory loss.

1. Taking more caffeine products – According to research by Johns Hopkins University research, taking 2 to 4 cups of coffee per day helps to reduce cognitive decline by 8% hence enhancing long and short term memory. Coffee and green tea usually help to boost the brain cells by increasing insulin sensitivity, and it also helps to pump blood faster into the heart, which is good for circulation.

Coffee also helps to increase energy which helps them increase their performance in different activities around the household; according to research conducted, it also helps to reduce the risks of getting diabetes, liver cancer and heart failure.

1. Increasing the hours of sleep- the whole concept of sleep is to rest the body and ensure that the brain cells are recharged, and sleep can easily be the most natural way to cure memory loss because it creates room for memories to kick in. whether it is through dreams or a 9-hour sleep, it’s helpful for seniors to ensure that they have enough sleep as it’s an important part in gaining of the memory.

It’s also important that the sleep goes undisturbed as this will ensure a continuous array of memories to be captured or re-captured.

1. create a healthy diet- clean foods ensure that the whole body system is ready for new energy and memories to come flashing in; it’s therefore not advisable to feed the elderly with fried foods, sugary foods, meat or food containing high cholesterol. It’s important to include vegetables, fruits, fish and olive oil because they boost not only immunity but also brain cells. They ensure that the blood is pumping all over the body and the blood vessels aren’t clogged hence reducing the chances of strokes or memory loss.

These methods really come in handy and help to ensure that the elderly either remain in constant motion or make sure that they are mentally active. It’s important to set them up in an environment that they feel safe in, and whether this is an elderly home or your home, these methods will help them to increase their memory.

It’s better to try out these natural methods before opting for medicinal remedies, which may worsen the situation or make them anxious. Memory loss has become more common, and trying to eat and stay healthy is the key to living a long life and helps you sustain your memories. Other ways like ensuring you maintain social circles help because friends and family create happiness and often act as a reminder of the good old times, they also offer support during hard times, which can help someone with dementia.