Is your memory fading? 10 habits to keep your brain young

Forgetfulness, which increases with age, eventually begins to affect every area of a person's life due to the negative consequences it causes. When memory problems initially appear as temporary lapses in recall, it is often too late to take precautions. Furthermore, stress, anxiety, and depression—common issues today—can lead to forgetfulness, confusion, difficulty concentrating, and other problems that disrupt daily activities.

Forgetfulness, which increases especially after the age of 65, should not be considered a typical part of aging. Forgetfulness can also be seen in younger people, and taking precautions is of great importance for a person's quality of life. Specialist Dr. Özden Yener Çakmak from the Neurology Department of Memorial Antalya Hospital provided information about the measures that can be taken against forgetfulness.

THE BRAIN AGES TOO

As people age, changes occur in all parts of the body, including the brain. As a result, some people notice that they do not remember information as well as they used to and cannot recall it as quickly. They may also occasionally misplace items or forget to pay a bill. These are usually signs of mild forgetfulness, not a serious memory problem. Forgetting things occasionally at any age is normal, but serious memory problems make it difficult to perform daily tasks such as driving, using a phone, and finding the way home.

SEVERE DIETS CAN LEAD TO FORGETFULNESS!

Forgetfulness, which is usually seen in older ages, can start earlier in some cases. The main underlying causes of forgetfulness can be severe diets, vitamin deficiency, goiter disease, psychiatric illnesses, or the long-term use of certain medications. By adapting habits that strengthen memory to one's life from a young age under the guidance of experts, it is possible to protect against the threat of serious memory impairment and reduce the risks.

PAY ATTENTION TO THESE TO COPE WITH FORGETFULNESS

• Take up a new hobby
• Plan tasks, make to-do lists, and use memory tools such as calendars and notes
• Put your wallet or purse, keys, phone, and glasses in the same place every day
• Participate in activities that can help both your mind and body
• Spend time with friends and family
• Try to sleep an average of 8 hours every night
• Exercise and eat well
• Get treated if you have high blood pressure
• Limit alcohol consumption
• If you have a long-term state of depression, get support from a specialist

EXERCISE REGULARLY TO PREVENT FORGETFULNESS

Being physically active and exercising not only helps overcome many psychological problems but is also good for mental health and can be effective in protecting against forgetfulness. Research shows that people who exercise physically are more successful in memory tests than those who do not. Exercises such as walking, swimming, or yoga are recommended to help strengthen memory. However, exercises that require very long-term, excessive physical effort should be avoided as they will lead to significant water loss in the body. By ensuring the brain receives a sufficient amount of oxygen through regular exercise, memory disorders can be prevented.

KEEP YOUR MIND ALIVE WITH MEMORY GAMES

A balanced and regular diet strengthens memory. Including foods rich in B vitamins and quality glucose consumption in your daily diet program supports a strong memory.

In addition, it is believed that choosing foods such as fish containing Omega-3 from a young age improves mental capacity. Adopting a quality sleep habit and making activities that keep the mind alive, such as puzzles and memory games, a regular part of your life plays a role in preventing forgetfulness.

CONSULT A DOCTOR IMMEDIATELY IN THESE 5 SITUATIONS

• Asking the same questions over and over
• Getting lost in places you used to know well
• Having difficulty following recipes or instructions
• Becoming more confused about time, people, and places
• Not taking good care of yourself—eating poorly, not bathing, or engaging in unsafe behaviors

TREATMENT SHOULD BE APPLIED TO THE UNDERLYING CAUSE

Various treatments and interventions are used for forgetfulness, including medications, cognitive therapy, and lifestyle changes such as exercise, healthy eating, and stress reduction.

In some cases, if the underlying cause is diagnosed and treated early, the treatment is often beneficial. However, if you cannot cope with the problem of forgetfulness despite all these precautions, you must seek help from a neurology specialist.