Memory loss plagues everyone at one time or another. Forgetting where you put your keys or wallet, or even where you parked at the mall are common experiences. While general memory loss is often joked about as you grow older, there is nothing funny about serious signs of neural degeneration, as evidenced by those diagnosed with various forms of dementia, such as Alzheimer's. However, while aging is a normal process, aging doesn't mean that your brain cells are dying out or that you'll experience an inevitable decline in cognitive abilities. The key to reversing, slowing or preventing memory loss follows the old saying, "use it or lose it."
Step 1
Grow new, healthy brain cells by learning something new. Exercise the brain, just as you do other parts of your body, for optimal growth and development. Staying active, mentally and physically and learning new things keeps brain function strong, says Aaron Nelson, Ph.D. and Chief of Neuropsychology at Brigham and Women's Hospital. Rejuvenation of brain or neuron cells in the brain increases the chance of reversing and stopping memory loss. Take up a new hobby, learn a new language or skill to help replenish brain cells.
Step 2
Play a game a day, suggests Everyday Health for longevity. Puzzles, games and stimulating activities, in groups and in solitary environments, keeps the neurons firing and brain cells active. A few of the most popular are crossword puzzles, Sudoku puzzles or yes, even video games, such as Nintendo DS, Wii and those played on computers with joysticks or handheld controls. Game play helps stimulate the brain's cognitive skills and engages problem-solving, memory and strategy design, states Eduardo Locatelli, MD, MPH at the Florida Neuroscience Center.
Step 3
Add blueberries to your diet, accompanied with brain exercise and skill development, suggests Mike Adams of Natural News. Flavonoids found in blueberries are believed to help trigger memory and learning centers in the brain. The best way to ingest blueberries is to buy them fresh or frozen, and blended into juices, sprinkled on cereal, or eaten plain.
Step 4
Stimulate the brain every day by engaging in social environments and activities. Seniors are encouraged to mingle with peers, engage in social outings and events and generally keep the brain and interest stimulated. Lack of intellectual stimulation is a major factor in many seniors experiencing cognitive and memory loss, states a "New York Times" health blog as reported in "The American Journal of Public Health" (see resource below). Group gatherings and interaction may help prevent memory decline and reverse memory loss, a result of mental engagement.
