At my pristine age of 36, I sometimes misplace things, forget names and appointments. I used to tell myself that it’s the stress of the job. Besides, that’s what personal assistants are for, right? But, watching a documentary on TV about dementia and Alzheimer’s, and how such diseases affect a huge number of the population, got me thinking and worried, to be honest, about my own forgetfulness.
Although I’m still too young to develop Alzheimer’s disease, I wouldn’t want it ever. For most of us, our memories and experiences are all we have left in our twilight years. And remembering your grandchildren’s names and birthdays at age of 90 is a huge accomplishment, which I personally would want for myself.
Although I’m still too young to develop Alzheimer’s disease, I wouldn’t want it ever. For most of us, our memories and experiences are all we have left in our twilight years. And remembering your grandchildren’s names and birthdays at age of 90 is a huge accomplishment, which I personally would want for myself.
So What Causes Memory Loss?
Minor lapses in memory such as forgetting names or misplacing objects are a common occurrence as an individual advances in age. This is because some elements of the cognitive network of the brain begin to falter as a person reaches a certain age. Loss of memory among seniors is to be expected and is relatively benign. We all experience it as we grow older. It’s as common as the wrinkles on our face, the overgrown hair in our ear canals, the receding hairline, and the gray hair that we so desperately try to hide.
More serious memory loss, however, is a common symptom of dementia. And the most common form of dementia is Alzheimer’s disease. This type of memory loss is most often attributed to genetic factors. Certain viruses, cardiovascular diseases, and head injuries may also contribute to profound memory loss and dementia.
Battling Memory Loss with Food
Preventing or minimizing the risk of you getting dementia at a later age requires a lot of exercise, both physical and mental, and a sound diet. Taking care of your brain by carefully considering what you eat and put inside your body is instrumental in promoting longevity and keeping your memory sharp. Nutrients that have profound effects to sustaining memory include B vitamins and complex carbohydrates. These help ensure sufficient quantities of neurotransmitters and promote healthy nerve transmission, which in turn help preserve memory and keep your brain active and sharp.
Food like potatoes and barley are rich source of complex carbohydrates. And to make sure that food and these complex carbohydrates get converted into brain fuel efficiently, adequate intake of B vitamins are also needed. Epidemiological research suggests that low levels of vitamins B6, B12, and folic acid are closely associated with Alzheimer’s disease.
In addition to complex carbohydrates and B vitamins, it is also believed that the blood-nourishing mineral iron plays a significant role in enhancing neurotransmitter activity. Some studies have shown that low levels of iron in an individual have negative effects on memory function. Fish, lean meats, and poultry are rich sources of iron.
Moreover, blueberries are also believed to have positive effects on memory function, specifically in the improvement of the cognitive functions of the brain. So, in addition to your daily exercise routines, make sure that you include your brain in your workout and eat the right kind of food to ensure good mental health and prevent memory loss.
