Cognitive decline, or in other words memory loss, is the most common problem faced by the elderly. The condition can cause a lot of emotional upset for the sufferer and their friends and family. Below are tips to help you assist your loved ones who are dealing with the effects of memory loss.
A good way to keep your mind and memory sharp is to challenge yourself daily with brain exercises. This works in the same way as exercising to keep your body in good shape. Exercising your brain regularly helps it to become stronger, which will improve your focus, concentration and memory. Good games for improving memory include crosswords, brain teasers or Scrabble.
Try writing things down to make it easier to remember. Your brain area that controls memory functions will receive blood flow, and memories will thus be exercised. Simply maintaining a diary, or compiling detailed logs can help improve your memory, and enable you to recall information when you need it.
Mnemonic Devices
You might find mnemonic devices useful in retaining and recalling some memories. Think of mnemonic devices for memory in the same way shorthand writing works for writers. You relate an idea with something common, giving you an easy way to remember it.
Using your brain frequently and in interesting ways keeps it limber, just like exercising the muscles every day keeps them in top shape. Researchers have found that engaging in puzzle games reduces your risk of becoming senile.
It is important that you get good quality sleep. Sleep is a key component in how well your short and long-term memory work. The more tired your brain is, the harder it will be to commit anything to memory. Get as much quality sleep as you need to help improve memory functions.
While studying, an easy way to enhance your brain’s memory retention is to switch your studying environment. Changing your surroundings helps renew your enthusiasm and energy for learning. It also helps your memory work better. Your brain wakes up when it detects any change to your routines, and when the brain is awake, it can take in more information.
One good way to keep your mind limber is to stay active within your social circles. Social interactions improve your state of mind, which has the effect of making you more alert and receptive to learning things. Don’t let yourself get isolated and depressed. Your brain needs stimulation to work properly; depression, sadness and loneliness stop your brain from receiving that stimulation. Talking and interacting with friends, even if it is online, keeps your mind sharp and better able to remember things.
Use a mnemonic in the form of a phrase, picture, or song to remember things that are particularly difficult to recall. Jokes and humor make things easier to remember in your mind, as the area reserved for humor in the brain is the same area used for learning.
If you want to boost your memory by using tips from the best minds in the field, look in your local library. Many psychiatrists have written books that help people improve memory. You might not need anything more than these books to help.
One herbal remedy thought to be effective for memory loss is ginseng. Ginseng has several qualities that improve the brain’s ability to collect and retain information. It is also good for your overall health. Green tea may also have compounds to improve memories and assist brain function.
Exercise often so you can remember more. Even a modest amount of daily exercise improves brain function.
Information should never be crammed into your brain. Instead, learn things little by little in study sessions. Learning a large amount of information at one sitting is not an effective method for long term memory. Your mind will become overwhelmed, and you will inevitably forget much of what you learned. You need to schedule study sessions on a regular basis to help your brain get in the habit of consistently remembering.
You should always be learning, even if you’re well out of school. If you do not acquire new knowledge, the memory-storing part of your brain isn’t stimulated. You may have difficulty remembering things if you don’t exercise this part of your brain.
Repeat new information out loud. Commit things like names to memory by repeating it verbally. Saying and hearing it out loud will help to seal the memory into your brain. This will help you recall it later. Multiple repetitions are a good idea any place where you are alone, unless you’re not shy about doing this in the company of others.
Loss of memory is one of the common signs of aging for many people. While this condition is not at all pleasant, it is a natural process. Sometimes the decline of mental abilities can be diminished or even stopped. This article attempts to provide some tips for anyone reading, so they can learn how to stave off memory loss.