Memory - Staying Sharp
The AARP Andrus Foundation and The Dana Alliance for Brain Initiatives "have identified a number of characteristics associated with successful brain aging." Genetics play a role in memory, but there are many things people can do throughout their lives to make a difference in brain health. They are listed below.
- Use your mind to strengthen connections between brain cells. Do activities such as balancing your checkbook, learning to operate a computer, or acquiring a new hobby.
- Take part in aerobic exercise and moderately strenuous activities. This may help preserve mental sharpness.
- Feel in control of what you do. It makes a difference in day-to-day life.
- Stay in school. Longer formal education is associated with mental sharpness in older persons. Continue to learn even if it is on an informal basis.
- Stay away from excessive use of alcohol and illicit drugs.
- Protect your head from injuries by using seat belts and helmets. This reduces the risk of sustaining head injuries, often a cause of impaired mental functioning.
- Find avenues to manage stress. Chronic stress has been found to damage nerve cells due to high levels of stress hormones. Reducing stress improves memory performance.
Sources:
Staying Sharp: Current Advances in Brain Research, Memory Loss and Aging, 2001.
Staying Sharp: Current Advances in Brain Research, Quality of Life, 2001.