Memory loss can be one of the more unsavory signs of aging; conditions like Alzheimer's disease, dementia and stroke can rob you of both your long-term and short-term memory, but other health conditions can also affect your memory. Engage in preventive exercises with both your mind and body to keep yourself healthy and to avoid memory loss.
Physical Exercise
Your memory is controlled by your brain, but the health of your body can play a role in retaining your memory, according to Harvard Health Publications. Exercising, whether you prefer to walk, swim, play an organized sport or simply keep up with your yard work, can keep your body strong and reduce your risk of chronic or progressive illnesses, such as diabetes, high cholesterol and cardiovascular disease that can lead to memory loss if complications occur. The Mayo Clinic explains that when you get a good physical workout, your blood flows more effectively throughout your body, delivering essential oxygen and nutrients throughout, which can protect against memory loss. Consult with your doctor to determine what type of exercise might be beneficial if you have not worked out recently.
Mental Challenges
Keeping your critical thinking and reasoning skills in action can help you stay sharp and not a victim to memory loss, suggests Harvard Health Publications. Active learning like reading, talking about current events or speaking in a foreign language keeps your brain stimulated and less likely to fall into decline. Think "outside the box" when it comes to finding experiences to stimulate your mental senses. Public television channels often run programs that teach languages or how to cook; it's not necessary to enroll in outside classes if circumstances prohibit you from face-to-face learning. If you've got nobody to talk to about a particular subject, write down your thoughts to read them aloud.
Games
Preventive exercises for memory loss can be fun--in the form of games. HelpGuide.org suggests word finds and crossword puzzles that strengthen or retain your language skills. Board games can also keep you on the logical path--word games like Scrabble or Boggle can maintain your vocabulary; Clue or Mastermind ask you to use critical thinking to determine the outcome.
