Ways to sharpen memory
We all have moments of forgetfulness, whether it is walking into a room and forgetting why, or not remembering a name. While there is not a single-point solution to stave off memory loss or dementia, there are some ways to help sharpen memory. The Mayo Clinic suggests the following activities.
Be physically active every day. Every single piece of research on brain health emphasizes the importance of exercise in helping to repair damage, form new neural connections, and increase blood flow to the brain. Brisk walking counts, so if a full workout is not possible, try a few 10-minute walks throughout the day.
Stay hydrated. Dehydration can influence cognition, especially when it comes to concentration, alertness and short-term memory, Prevention.com states.
Stay mentally active. The Connection crossword puzzle (see page 24)and other games are a fun way to challenge our brains. Break out a jigsaw puzzle, learn to play a musical instrument or try a new hobby.
Spend time with others. A strong social life and having meaningful relationships are good for your mind. A study published in the American Journal of Public Health reported that women with large social networks slashed their risk of dementia by as much as 26%.
Stay organized. Reduce clutter. Find a home for the things you often misplace. Keep track of tasks and appointments in a notebook, calendar or your phone.
Make a memory. Memory experts recommend making as many associations as possible when trying to remember something, such as a name. Make a little mental story about the person, and you are more likely to recall their name. The sillier, the better.
Make sleep a priority. Not getting enough sleep has been linked to memory loss. So has restless sleep and sleep that gets disturbed often. Snoring could be a sign of a sleep disorder, such as sleep apnea. If stress is a factor, take steps to reduce it through breathing techniques, meditation or therapy.
Eat your greens. Greens, especially, are good for the brain. Recent research published in the journal Neurology claims that eating one to two servings of leafy greens a day improves your memory and overall cognitive ability. A diet low in saturated fat and sugars has many benefits to the body and the brain. See the September 2024 article in The Connection on Brain Food. Have regular blood work done to check for vitamin deficiencies.
For more information, visit mayoclinic.org and search “brain health tips.”
Hidden Pointe resident Geoff Wheeler works The Connection’s crossword puzzle every month.
By Lisa Nicklanovich
