How do I keep my memory sharp?

By Brooke Strickland
Writer for FEP International

Ah, memories – one of life’s greatest treasures. But for many of us, aging can cause these parts of our lives to become fuzzy. So, how do you keep your memory sharp and functioning at full capacity? A new study by researchers at Albert Einstein College of Medicine shows that regularly participating in activities that exercise your brain muscles, such as reading, writing, doing crossword puzzles, playing board games, playing music, and even having group discussions can hinder the quick decline into dementia [1].

Memories don’t have to become lost in the fog!

There are some simple ways to keep your mind healthy and active, and can be easily integrated into your daily lifestyle.

• Stay mentally active: As the above study shows, keeping your mind alert by reading, playing games or music, and interacting with others is a vital component to optimum brain function.
• Stay physically active: exercise increases blood flow to all parts of your body, including your brain, stimulating cell growth and overall vitality.
• Develop and maintain healthy eating habits: a diet that is rich in fruits and vegetables (both of these food groups boast high amounts of antioxidants) can help support brain cells.
• Focus: Limit your distractions and organize your priorities, so you can focus your attention on what is really important to you.
• Manage your stress level: high stress levels can prompt hormone releases in your brain that can be potentially harmful. Relax and take a break if you need to.
  

So don’t forget—these simple tactics can be valuable to living a healthy and productive lifestyle and can help reduce memory loss later.

References

1. A crossword a day may keep memory loss at bay: study. Reuters. http://www.reuters.com/article/newsOne/idUSTRE5725FE20090803 Accessed on the web August 4, 2009.