Executive Health Program

Health Tips

CAN YOU PREVENT MEMORY LOSS?
Mayo Clinic Provides 10 Tips for Keeping Your Memory Sharp

By Robert R. Orford, M.D., C.M.
Director, Executive Health at Arizona

After 20 minutes of searching, you finally find your glasses  --  on your forehead. How many times have you lost your car keys or forgotten the name of a person you just met?

Everyone forgets things. Forgetfulness tends to increase with age, but there's a big difference between normal absent-mindedness and the type of memory loss associated with Alzheimer's disease and other types of dementia.

Are you losing your mind? Probably not. Most people who occasionally forget things simply have too much on their mind. The following tips can help keep your mind sharp and your memory intact:

• Exercise your mind. The brain continues to form new connections as long as it's stimulated. Play a musical instrument. Do crossword puzzles and other memory exercises. Learn a foreign language. Read!
• Stay physically active. You'll be more alert during the day, and you'll sleep better at night. Get moving with aerobic activity, strength training and stretching.
• Eat and drink well. Eat a diet rich in fruits and vegetables. These contain antioxidants that protect and nourish brain cells. Drink lots of water because dehydration can make it harder to concentrate.
• Give yourself reminders and cues. Work people's names into your conversations with them. Set up cues, like putting your keys on the ironing board so you'll remember to turn off the iron before leaving home.
• Take your time. Slow down and pay full attention to the task at hand.
• Relax. Stress interferes with concentration. Let your mind take a "mental break" every so often.
• Keep a positive attitude. Research shows that happiness makes you more alert which makes your senses more receptive to receiving information.
• Talk to your doctor. Factors including certain medical conditions, medications, vitamin deficiencies, fatigue and depression can contribute to memory problems.
• Know your numbers. Keep track of your blood pressure, cholesterol, thyroid and blood sugar levels to be sure they're in the healthy range.
• Keep your perspective. You're not the first person to dial a number only to forget whom you're calling. Take note of it, but unless you feel it's unusually frequent, don't be concerned.

Everyone has difficulty remembering things at times. Try not to lose sight of how much you do remember. Keep your mind sharp and your body healthy and chances are you'll be well on your way to building even more happy memories.