Memory Loss Problems Solved

by Linda Kelly
(U.S.A.)

I've often thought how wonderful it would be to have a photographic memory, to look at a page and instantly recall what was on it. To be able to never to forget an appointment or always remember friends birthday's. But sadly, as we age, the recall of names and dates becomes more difficult.



How many times recently have I forgot where I put my glasses or door keys? In fact only yesterday, I went upstairs to get something and couldn't remember what - is this the start of my decline? If so its time to do something about it!

There are a number of health fads and herbal supplements that promise to solve memory loss symptoms, but these are not based on sound science.

Fad diets can even be responsible for memory loss especially those that eliminate all carbohydrates - research has shown that the brain utilises carbohydrates in the form of glucose in order to function properly.

Research also indicates that mental decline is not inevitable and it is possible to boost mental alertness and memory at any age. Also that well-educated, well-nourished and healthy people show no sign of decline in mental function with age.

Consequently eating a healthy diet contributes to a healthy brain. Here are some steps one such study recommends in order to curb or even reverse memory problems ( PMID: 18590347) :

* Controlling type 2 diabetes, obesity, insulin resistance, hypertension and stopping smoking.

* Reducing stress and avoiding toxins

* Mental and physical exercise

* A diet high in docosahexaenoic acid (DHA) found in seafood, eicosapentainoic acid-EPA (commercially found in spirulina) and other omega3 fatty acids, antioxidants including flavonoids, B vitamins, especially B6, B12, and folate.

* Only supplements proven by randomized, controlled trials should be taken, these include phosphatidylserine, glycerophosphocholine, acetyl-L-carnitine, antioxidants and vitamins C and E.

As the above indicates, blood sugar lows negatively affect the brain, by eating smaller meals more often this can have a positive effect on the brain by supplying a slow and steady source of energy for it to function.

Exercise Is not Just for Your Body

There are numerous ways to exercise the brain. These include learning new mental skills and puzzles and games that are particularly challenging, learning a new language or learning to play a musical instrument.

Of course I can only talk for myself here, but I believe that it's all too easy to accept that you are getting older and your memory is failing, sadly this attitude does little to actually improve memory. Poor observational skills can be linked to lack of memory as you don't concentrate and listen properly. When I meet someone new, I often don't remember his or her names because I wasn't making a conscious effort.

This can be remedied with exercises like the following:

* Find an unfamiliar photograph and look at it for a short while.

* Cover the photograph, picture it in your mind and write down all the details you can remember.

* Practice regularly with a different photograph.

Brain training can be fun with puzzles like Rubik's Cube, Sudoku, crosswords and Nintendo systems.

It's important to give enough time for memories to form, as they are fragile in the short-term. If like me you are easily distracted then it's easy to forget a simple phone number. The key is to focus on one thing entirely for a few minutes.

Regular aerobic exercise improves circulation to the brain and can help prevent memory loss associated with aging.

I mentioned above that scientists have confirmed a healthy diet contributes to a healthy brain, but many of us live under the misconception that if we eat well, our diet supplies all our needs. This is not true and is partly due to food choices, stress and pollutants, but mainly due to modern farming methods and food processing. This is why researchers recommend the supplements listed above. Lets take a look at why some of these nutrients essential:

* Antioxidants, which include vitamins A, C and E protect the brain from oxidation and improve the supply of the brain's most critical nutrient, oxygen. So do the B vitamins, B12, folic acid, B1, B2 and B3.

* Most brain cells become damaged by inflammation - Omega3 fats are powerful anti-inflammatory agents, and they might also be involved in encoding memories. Excellent results have been achieved with Alzheimer's and omega3 fish oil supplements, so it stands to reason that they can sharpen mind and memory.

* Omega-3 especially DHA and EPA are crucial to feed the fats in our brains. The brain is sixty percent fat and this needs replenishing.

It should also be noted that there are numerous non-essential supplements that can help with memory and brain function, for example, studies have shown promising results with ginkgo biloba ( PMID: 19160216) .

Fine Tune Your Memory

I have devised a couple of lines as a "memory aid" to improving memory:

"Exercise body and mind, relax and chill out, feed the brain with the right nutrient, keep it well oiled with essential fats, and fine tune with vitamins and minerals."

Written by HealthyNewAge, the alternative healing web site and blog.