7 TIPS TO IMPROVE MEMORY IN OLD AGE

Memory loss in old age is not impossible to deal with. This article explains memory loss and simple tips on healthcare to help improve your memory and lead a happy life.

Memory loss in old age is a common occurrence. But did you know that making a few changes in your healthcare, diet, and lifestyle could help you improve your memory and lead an active and productive life?

You can definitely live a normal life in spite of a slight memory loss. However, if the symptoms get more pronounced with time and begin to hamper your everyday life, leading to stress and desperation, you need to seek medical help. An early diagnosis along with treatment and medicine for memory loss will help you control the symptoms and live a normal, happy life. We bring for you some simple tips to exercise the mind and the body and live your sunset years to the fullest. 

Reasons For Memory Loss In Old Age: 

1. Aging:

One of the main reasons for memory loss is aging. However, it is not serious if one is able to function normally, make decisions, fulfil one’s daily activities, and socialise. Forgetting minor details, like where one left their belongings or missing out on a doctor’s appointment, are not a cause for concern if one is able to recall these things later. It is normal, age-related forgetfulness.

2. Dementia:

However, when forgetfulness takes on a more serious role, it displays signs of dementia. 

The symptoms are:

1) Forgetting names of family and friends

2) Inability to recall names of everyday items 

3) Inability to complete daily tasks like bathing, dressing, eating, or forgetting to have one’s meals altogether

4) Repeating sentences or questions

5) Losing oneself in familiar places

6) Lack of social skills 

3. Mild Cognitive Impairment:

Mild cognitive impairment can make people anxious. The inability to remember appointments or events, understand directions and make decisions can be overwhelming and stressful.  It is one of the causes of memory loss in old age and can lead to Alzheimer’s disease and, eventually, dementia. But timely attention and treatment will help you live a better life. 

Importance Of Diagnosis:

Accepting memory loss in old age can be difficult, not just for the elderly, but also for their family and friends. However, it is paramount that you seek medical help as soon as you realize that memory loss is being an impediment to your daily life. 

1) An early diagnosis will help you understand your situation better. Treatment for memory loss in old age will save you from further deterioration.

2) Medicine for memory loss in old age will help you live a productive life. It will aid you in completing your day-to-day tasks with lesser difficulty. 

3) An early diagnosis of the condition will help you handle the symptoms better. It will guide you and your loved ones to tackle difficult situations arising from your memory loss and find solutions to your problems. 

4) Early diagnosis of Alzheimer’s disease or mild cognitive impairment will help you get the treatment and prepare you and your family for the future. 

5) It will help you decide on the future support you might need, for example, at a care facility, as well as geriatric care and support groups. 

6) You will find the time you need to sort out your financial and legal affairs.Memory loss in old age is irreversible but not impossible to deal with. Treatment for memory loss helps those showing signs of dementia. Here are some simple tips to improve memory for those with age-related memory loss and live a healthy, productive life.

7) Tips To Improve Memory In Old Age:

1. Staying Physically Active:

For those leading a sedentary life, any kind of moderate physical activity like yoga, walking, swimming, or even gardening benefits immensely. It produces the ‘feel-good’ endorphins that improve mental well-being, benefits cognitive function, and reduces the risk of dementia. 

2. Staying Socially Active:

Mental and emotional health gets most affected by solitary living. Having a social circle boosts morale and leaves us feeling calmer and happier. Regular interaction through the seniors' club will help the elderly socialize with others their age and live a satisfying life.

 3. Following A Regular Sleep Pattern:

Sleep helps the brain stay healthy. It improves memory, concentration, and attention in the elderly. An 8-hour, uninterrupted sleep is essential for better memory. 

4. Attention To Diet:

A diet rich in fruits, vegetables, and healthy fats improves HDL levels. This prevents the blood vessels from clogging and lessens the risk of memory loss in old age. 

5. Learning New Skills:

Learning a new instrument or a language, or using the computer to connect with loved ones, or learning a new skill will keep you mentally alert, physically active, and emotionally content. This, in turn, will help you improve your memory. 

6. Playing Mind Games:

Games like Sudoku, Scrabble, and Crossword challenge the brain and provide it with an exercise that keeps it sharp and alert and improves memory.

7. Reading:

Reading stimulates the mind and keeps the brain healthy. It gives the elderly a chance to socialize with other book lovers and improve their overall well-being. Memory loss in old age can be frightening. However, getting an early diagnosis and starting medicines and treatments will definitely help in reducing the severity of the problem. Following the above tips on healthcare will help you in preventing memory loss from disturbing the rhythm of your life. The earlier you start caring for your health, the better you will enjoy your golden years.