Forgetfulness can be a normal part of aging. As people get older, changes occur in all parts of the body, including the brain. As a result, some people may notice that it takes longer to learn new things, they don't remember information as well as they did, or they lose things like their glasses.
Tips for dealing with forgetfulness
Follow a daily routine. Plan tasks, make to-do lists, and use memory tools such as calendars and notes. Put your wallet or purse, keys, phone, and glasses in the same place each day. Stay involved in activities that can help both the mind and body.
Green tea
As is the case with coffee, the caffeine in green tea boosts brain function. In fact, it has been found to improve alertness, performance, memory, and focus ( 75 ). But green tea also has other components that make it a brain-healthy beverage.
Introduction: The five-word test (5WT) is a serial verbal memory test with semantic cuing. It is proposed to rapidly evaluate memory of aging people and has previously shown its sensitivity and its specificity in identifying patients with AD.
Vitamin B12 deficiency is linked to impaired cognition and memory along with a sensation of tingling and numbness, an outcome of poor myelination. Elevated methylmalonic acid and serum homocysteine levels are markers of Vitamin B12 deficiency.
Forgetfulness can arise from stress, depression, lack of sleep or thyroid problems. Other causes include side effects from certain medicines, an unhealthy diet or not having enough fluids in your body (dehydration). Taking care of these underlying causes may help resolve your memory problems.
Age-related memory loss and dementia are very different conditions, though they may share some overlap in symptoms. However, normal forgetfulness is often caused by lack of focus and it never progresses into serious territory. Dementia, on the other hand, will get worse over time.
Dementia is more common in people over the age of 65, but in some cases, it can also affect people in their 30s, 40s, or 50s. With treatment and early diagnosis, you may be able to slow down the progression of dementia and maintain mental function for a longer period of time.
Changes in the Aging Brain
Certain parts of the brain shrink, especially those important to learning and other complex mental activities. In certain brain regions, communication between neurons (nerve cells) may not be as effective. Blood flow in the brain may decrease.
Hobbies such as playing chess, reading a book or doing a daily Sudoku puzzle can help boost overall cognitive function. Specifically, these hobbies may help sharpen quick-thinking skills, such as processing speed, decision-making and short-term memory.
Blueberries are a particularly rich source of anthocyanin and other flavonoids that may improve brain function. Grapes are full of resveratrol, a memory-boosting compound. Concord grapes are rich in polyphenols, a brain-accessing antioxidant.
Bananas are a great source of potassium, manganese, vitamin C and fibre, but did you know they can also enhance memory? Studies show eating bananas help students learn more efficiently and improve exam scores.
Though there is evidence to suggest that people who suffer from Alzheimer's disease and dementia are often deficient in this vitamin, studies have found that taking supplements or increasing dietary vitamin B12 does not improve memory function in those living with the disease, according to the Mayo Clinic.
3 'R's: Remember It, Recall It, Retain It. Your bible of exercises to increase your brain power, improve your memory, and train your fluid intelligence.
The Self-Administered Gerocognitive Exam (SAGE) is a brief self-administered cognitive screening instrument used to identify mild cognitive impairment (MCI) from any cause and early dementia.
Health care providers often use a brief test such as the Short Test of Mental Status, the Montreal Cognitive Assessment (MoCA) or the Mini-Mental State Examination (MMSE). More detailed testing may help determine the degree memory is impaired.
Blueberries. Studies have shown that blueberries can improve thinking and memory skills, which is likely thanks to the flavonoids (a kind of antioxidant) they're packed with. So feel free to snack on a bowl of fresh berries, or try dried blueberries for a sweet and portable treat. Hard-boiled eggs.
What are the foods that fight memory loss? Berries, fish, and leafy green vegetables are 3 of the best foods that fight memory loss. There's a mountain of evidence showing they support and protect brain health.