You've probably said it or thought it "I must be loosing my mind!" Our memories can define our past, and determine our future. So, for many of us trying to keep it has become a top priority.
We talked to expert Dr. Soo Borson. She is a geriatric psychiatrist, a professor at the University of Washington and director of the Memory Disorders Clinic in Seattle.
“Where did I park my car, oh my god, I can't find my car! Where are my keys? Have you seen my glasses?” Sitting in Dr. Borson’s office in Seattle, she roll-plays what so many of us have experienced in real life.
Those memory glitches, or so-called "senior moments" have some people so concerned; a new industry called "brain fitness" is now big business.
“Baby boomers fear Alzheimer's more than they fear cancer,” says Borson. “It’s that fear of loss of dignity.”
By the age of 65: less than 1% the U.S. population will get Alzheimer’s. 75 and older: it increases to about 10%. For most of those people it's not genetic. So, why some of us get Alzheimer's is still a bit of a mystery. But, researchers have now found clear links between memory loss and certain health and lifestyle problems; problems that we can--in part-control.
“Some of that is reversible,” says Borson.
Diabetes reduces blood circulation in the body, lung disease reduces oxygen flow in the body and heart disease leads to a hardening of the arteries not only around the heart but in the brain as well. They are all problems that damage the brain over time and can slowly kill your memory.
“The brain tends to get stiffer, less resilient,” says Borson.
Next: diet and exercise. As we age, we are in a state of what's called "oxidative stress"--where too many free radicals can damage tissue or create cancer in our bodies and our brains. That's why an anti-inflammatory diet with lots of fresh, whole foods and anti-oxidants can help.
“All of them are basically sopping up free radicals,” Borson explains.
She adds, “In recent animal and human studies exercise actually stimulated growth in the brain, so a concerted program of exercise, enlarges the brain! Physical exercise!”
Last: Borson says our lifestyles have a direct impact on memory.
“Part of the reason young people learn so fast is simply because they do so many new and different things.”
But she says adults often get stuck in a routine. So, she suggests trying new and unfamiliar things--that spark your interest. Also: all that multi-tasking is over-loading our brain and keeping it from truly absorbing what we are doing.
But she does have one warning: if you're having problems doing things that you do every day like balancing your checkbook, remembering to take medication or understanding simple directions that could be an indicator of a more serious problem.
“Sometimes you just have to get serious of what your system can tolerate. If you just have a memory problem, that's your only problem, you can compensate with many tools,” she says.
MEMORY MAKEOVER LINKS AND SUGGESTIONS:
Prevention: “Tips To Keep Your Mind Sharp”
Prevention: “Never Forget Anything”
Mayo Clinic’s Alzheimer’s Center
Mayo Clinic: “Training Can Prevent Memory Loss”