Can You Prevent Memory Loss?
 Memory loss, to some extent, is a normal part of growing older. While there are some memory loss diseases that cannot be prevented due to their genetic nature, there are some ways to help keep your mind sharp as you age to prevent or reduce normal memory loss due to old age.
Some steps you can take that may be able to help prevent memory loss include:
- Exercise - Regular exercise helps promote optimum brain health by improving blood and oxygen circulation to the brain, and it also combats against conditions that can lead to memory loss including cardiovascular diseases and diabetes.
- Eat healthy - Foods like fruits, vegetables, and whole grains that contain high levels of antioxidants, B vitamins, and omega fatty acids all are believed to promote brain health.
- Practice mind teasers - Your mind needs to be exercised like every other part of your body to stay sharp and healthy. Playing games that make you think, like crosswords, Sudoku, word games, and other mentally stimulating drills can help keep your brain up and running well into old age.
- Manage stress - The stress hormone known as cortisol has been shown to cause damage to the hippocampus, the part of the brain the processes memory, over long periods of time.
- Get enough sleep - Sleep is a required part of memory consolidation, and sleep disorders like insomnia and sleep apnea can cause distraction while awake due to lack of restorative sleep.
- Don't smoke or drink - Smoking cigarettes and consuming alcohol can cause damage to brain cells and make retaining and retrieving memories more difficult, aside from the other negative health conditions they can lead to.
By practicing some of these tips, many people find that they are able to effectively work against memory loss, as well as improve their overall health and general wellbeing no matter what their age is, old or young.
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