The Best Ways to Strengthen the Memory this Fall
The Best Ways to Strengthen the Memory this Fall
We all forget things from time to time. However, if it happens more frequently than not, it is best to consult with your doctor. At Aspen Care, our clients who suffer from Dementia or Alzheimer’s disease can increasingly forget things as time goes on. To strengthen the memory, we use various strategies and techniques to help our clients maintain or reduce the impact of the disease. These strategies can also help every one of us with day-to-day memory strengthening!
1. Exercise
We’ve all heard it many times before, physical activity and exercise can help with inflammation, reduce the risk of disease, and reduce cognitive decline. It is also a great way to help with memory strengthening. A study conducted in 2017, found that aerobic exercise such as swimming, running, walking, etc. “can improve memory function in people with early Alzheimer’s disease. 2017 study
2. Sleep
Have you ever felt foggy, or unclear? Well, it is probably due to not getting enough sleep. Sleep is so important for so many reasons. One, it allows your body to recover, heal and rest. And two, It is vital for cognitive health, and clarity. Getting 7-9 hours of sleep every night is a key factor in creating and storing long-term memories.
3. Fish Oil Supplement
Fish oils are high in Omega-3 fatty acids. This supplement is proven to help with brain functionality, specifically with improving “short-term, working and episodic memory”. The supplement is also beneficial for heart health, for reducing inflammation, and supporting healthy skin, nails, and hair.
4. Reducing Sugar Intake
Too much sugar is never a good thing. At Aspen Care, we ensure a well-balanced diet and limited sugar in our meals. We resort to natural sugars found in fruits, vegetables, and will indulge in the occasional treat that is full of nutrients and raw sugars or honey. Grab our latest Recipe of the Month!
5. Meditation & Mindfulness
Clearing the mind is one of the most powerful and underrated techniques in memory-loss prevention. Mindfulness differs from meditation, in that meditation is a formal practice, and mindfulness is a mental habit. Studies have proven that “mindfulness can lower stress and improve concentration and memory.” So what is mindfulness exactly? “Mindfulness is the basic human ability to be fully present, aware of where we are and what we’re doing, and not overly reactive or overwhelmed by what’s going on around us.” If you want more information on mindfulness, and some great mindfulness exercises, visit website.
6. Limit Alcohol Intake and Quit Smoking
Often, we can forget that alcohol can have such negative impacts on our brain health. “Alcohol has neurotoxic effects on the brain, including reducing memory performance.” Reducing alcohol consumption and by quitting to smoke can increase your cognitive health and general health tremendously.
7. Play Brain Games & Go Back to School
It is always important to exercise cognitive skills to strengthen memory. A great way to do so is by playing brain games, or by learning new skills. Some great brain games include card games, Tetris, crossword puzzles, sudoku, and word-recall games. Going back to school is also a viable option for seniors. In Alberta, many Universities offer waived tuition fees for people over the age of 65+ interested in auditing a class. For more information, please visit the University of Calgary’s website: UofC Calendar