Addressing memory lost

If you're middle-aged and you think you're losing your memory, you're not alone, a new U.S. government report shows.

This is not surprising as one in nine Americans aged 45 and older say they are experiencing thinking declines. According to the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, noticing a decline in your mental abilities ("cognitive decline") is one of the earliest signs of impending Alzheimer's disease or dementia.

Apart from ageing which is believed to be a major cause of dementia, losing sleep or not having enough sleep, to say the least is the most common non-age related cause of memory loss.

This number might have increased in the past few months as a result of global pandemic, economic downturn and financial distress. 

In Africa, although not surveyed; increased working hours to meet up financial needs, sleepiness night over dismaying financial situation, rising cost of living among others may be causing shortage of sleep which may consequently have effect on thinking ability.

However, it’s never too early to slow memory loss.

“Research tells us that earlier intervention is critical to preserving memory and independence,” Dr. Hashmi says. “Lifestyle changes are vital but need time to take effect, so the key is getting started early.”

Medications may help, but they’re only 2% of the solution. Their job is mostly to stop memory problems from getting worse.

The other 98% is making lifestyle adjustments. These brain-healthy modifications can improve memory:

Socialization: Socializing not only staves off feelings of loneliness, but also it helps sharpen memory and cognitive skills, increases your sense of happiness and well-being, and may even help you live longer.

Aerobic activity: This helps reduce physical and mental stress and ageing. Aerobic activities includes brisk walking, swimming, running, cycling and weight lifting.

Eating a healthy diet: While certain foods and lifestyle tend to cause memory loss, some foods are proven to increase mental alertness and memory. For instance, while sugary drinks, fish High in Mercury, refined Carbs, highly processed foods, are all believed to harm the brain and can help lower memory sharpness; foods rich in Omega-3 and a fatty acid like seafood and those rich in vitamin E and D are good deal for the brain.

Getting enough quality sleep: Generally, having enough sleep help not only to revitalised the  body system but the brain. Scientists measuring sleepiness have found that sleep deprivation leads to lower alertness and concentration. It's more difficult to focus and pay attention, so you're more easily confused. This hampers your ability to perform tasks that require logical reasoning or complex thought. Sleepiness also impairs judgment. Having enough sleep, at least 8 straight hour per day, helps to boost mental system and the ability to memorise.