As we misplace our keys, again, many may comment on another senior moment during our search. As we age, our grey matter does change. The hippocampus, a region of the brain that involves memory does deteriorate as we age. Hormones and proteins change and usually decline with age. Blood flow to the brain may be decreased and cause significant loss of memory. Can we improve these so-called senior moments?
If we don’t exercise on a regular basis, we lose muscle strength and bone mass as we get older. Though the brain is capable of developing new cells regardless of our age, if we are not using the potential, our cognitive skills will diminish.
Quality sleep is key to improving memory function. Dreaming may reactivate and reorganize recently learned material. Harvey B. Simon, M.D. and Editor of Harvard Health claim that even a brief nap may boost learning, memory and creative problem solving.
Try to give your brain a different direction from a familiar trend. If you have never been good at cross word puzzles, try them anyway to help challenge new pathways. Use your hands while developing a new craft such as knitting, sewing or even playing a musical instrument which will help strengthen coordination and spatial reasoning.
According to the American Academy of Neurology, more walking builds grey matter and, in turn, reduces cognitive impairment. Adding walks to your lifestyle can greatly improve your memory.
Cutting out alcohol and cigarettes as well as appropriate weight recommended will improve all health deficiencies as well as cognitive functions. And a diet filled with omega can’t hurt either.
Turn off your computer. According to some studies, constant information overload can hurt your memory. Many suggest that you need to allow the brain to be idle. It is designed to relax, rebuild during which time attention is replenished, creativity is more define and memories have improved.