By: Alice Jacobs MS, Ed.D, CHES
Do you ever feel frustrated because you can’t find your sunglasses, your favorite golf ball marker or even your keys? Have you ever removed your nine-iron from your golf bag (to take a few practice shots in your living room) and now for the life of you, can’t find where you put the darn club?Have you ever been chatting with a friend as you walk down the fairway, and suddenly, in the middle of the conversation your mind goes blank and you can’t remember what you were about to say? Ever been in a golf shop and recognized a friend (one you’ve known for a long time), but could not recall his or her name?
If you answered “yes” to any of the above, you have plenty of company. All of the above can be considered normal memory experiences as people age. While the frequency of word grope, senior moments, and tip-of-the-tongue syndrome increases as we age, it is not necessarily a sign of decline or the signal of impending Alzheimer’s disease.
There are certain memory changes that are temporary and reversible. Memory is actually a complex system of processes, and there are many variables that can impact any part of the memory chain. Some reversible causes of memory problems include: sleep deprivation, stress, multi-tasking, infection, dehydration, vitamin deficiency, depression, colds/flu, sensitivity to medication, strong emotions (i.e. anger, happiness, grief).
How do you know if memory problems are part of normal aging or if they signify the onset of more serious problems such as Alzheimer’s disease or cardiovascular disease? The answer comes down to frequency and severity of memory problems. Everyone has forgetful episodes from time to time, but if you have a sense of concern you should consult your physician for a complete medical evaluation.
Contrary to popular myth, memory can actually get better as we age. However, it requires training, just like an athlete who challenges the body on a regular basis through exercise. Brain exercise should be incorporated into everyone’s life on a regular basis. The 1990’s marked a period of advancements in brain research driven by new technology such as the PET (positron emission tomography) Scan and the fMRI (functional magnetic resonance imagery). Researchers found that the brain is like one big muscle. As with any other muscle you have to use it, or you can lose it. Dull wit and absent mindedness are not inevitable consequences of aging. Those old stereotypes of a forgetful grandma or bumbling grandpa, are just stereotypes.
Mental exercise is just as crucial to well-being as physical exercise. Bad memory has been linked to heart disease, diabetes and even a high-fat diet. Brain protective mental and physical steps may even influence who gets Alzheimer’s disease. So if you want to stay sharp, you have to do some sort of “neurobics” in addition to aerobics. Up until just a few years ago, scientists thought that by the time a person reached age 5, the brain was wired for the rest of someone’s life. Not true.The great news is, scientists now know that the brain is constantly rewiring itself, adapting, and growing new brain cells – even throughout the aging process. Not only can a person grow new brain cells, but the more people exercise and challenge the brain, the less likely they will be to develop brain damaging disease later in life.
Medical advances have made it possible for us to have a much longer life span. We all know we should eat a healthy diet, exercise regularly, and control our stress, but now there is another factor to consider…brain exercise. It’s not only about formal educational pursuits, but about stimulating the brain to grow new connections. There are a variety of ways, techniques, and methods to do this. Strive to do something that stimulates your mind at least 3-5 times per week. Golf is an excellent activity. You may want to start by hitting a bucket of balls one day, a golf lesson another day, or try teeing it up for 9 or 18 holes…whatever your schedule permits. While you increase time on the course, you may find yourself reducing your time in front of the television. That’s O.K., since TV viewing is often a passive activity which positions your brain into a neutral mode.
The key words are: Keep active!
10 Tips for a Better Memory
1)If you want to remember, slow down and pay attention to what you want to remember. The number one cause of memory problems is lack of focus.
2)Say out loud what you want to remember. Don’t worry about people thinking you are strange for talking to yourself. Saying something out loud fires more brain cells and helps in the memory process.
3)Get 30 minutes of physical exercise at least 5 days a week. This helps promote circulation to the brain and will benefit your heart as well.
4)Follow a balanced, portion-controlled diet.
5)Control your stress; worry less, laugh more.
6)Make sure to drink sufficient amounts of water each day.
7)Get sufficient amounts of Omega-3 fatty acids. Your brain is approximately 60% fat and 40% water; fuel it with the right kind of fat. The easiest way to accomplish this is to eat fish 3 times per week.
8)Lighten up, everyone forgets from time to time. Accept the fact, that you cannot remember everything in this highly complex and fast-paced world.
9)Use visualization techniques as a tool. The more creative the visualization, the higher the likelihood that you will remember.
10)To remember pass codes, license plate numbers, credit card numbers, telephone numbers, and/or important dates, create a story that links the individual letters or numbers together.
Dr. Alice Jacobs is Director of Brain Gain™, a company that provides memory training and brain wellness workshops for groups and individuals. She may be contacted at www.braingain.info or (916) 791-7640.
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