Memory loss can have several causes, and the most common ones occur in stressed, anxious or resting people with a good night's sleep, and also in people over 60, when the neurons are more deteriorated and can retaining less information, leading to the forgetfulness of recent situations, such as where you have stored an object, give a message or remember a name.
These situations can be prevented with attitudes that stimulate and balance brain functioning, such as having healthy eating habits, rich in anti-oxidants, avoiding stress, doing physical exercises, as well as taking readings and concentrating activities.
However, if memory loss starts to disrupt everyday activities or is constant, it is important to consult with a neurologist or geriatrician to investigate possible diseases that lead to memory loss, such as Alzheimer's, depression or hypothyroidism, for example. To better understand the diseases and situations that lead to memory loss, check out what causes and how to treat memory loss.
Thus, the attitudes one should have to avoid memory problems or diseases, especially Alzheimer's dementia, are:
1. Exercise 3 times a week
Physical exercise improves circulation and blood flow to the brain, protecting your cells. You should practice activities at least 3 times a week, but ideally 5 times a week.
In addition, exercising protects the body against other diseases that are harmful to brain health, such as high blood pressure, diabetes and cholesterol.
2. Reading and doing reasoning games
Staying mentally active is essential for stimulating brain cells and preventing them from deteriorating, which leads to difficulties in reasoning and retention of information.
So, always reading a book, practicing games that use reasoning such as crossword puzzles, word games, sudoku, or even taking a language course, music or any subject you are interested in is challenging to the brain, which with which he strives to remain active.
3. Adopt a Mediterranean diet
A diet that avoids consuming industrialized products, but is rich in fruits, vegetables, fish and whole foods, contains essential antioxidant and anti-inflammatory elements for the brain, being very important for the prevention of memory loss and the development of Alzheimer's.
Some essential elements of any diet for brain health are omega 3 and vitamin E, present in olive oil, fish, nuts and almonds, antioxidants such as vitamin C, zinc, magnesium and potassium, present in fruits, vegetables, besides fibers, present in whole grains. In addition, it is important to avoid foods rich in sugar, saturated fats and salt, as they impede circulation and hamper the brain's functioning.
Check out our nutritionist's tips on what to eat:
4. Treating anxiety and depression
Anxiety and stress are important causes of sudden forgetfulness and lapses of memory, as they make it difficult to retain information, leave the brain confused to gain access to memories, and produce hormones such as cortisol and adrenaline that are harmful to this organ. Therefore, these situations should be treated with relaxation activities, such as meditation, yoga and physical exercises, and performing psychotherapy.
However, when anxiety is severe or when there is a picture of depression it may also be necessary to consult with a psychiatrist to begin treatment with anxiolytic or antidepressant medicines important for improving mental health and preventing damage to the brain. Learn more tips to combat stress and anxiety.
5. Sleep 6 to 8 hours a day
The habit of sleeping well, between 6 and 8 hours a day, is fundamental so that the brain can fix the memories and consolidate everything that has been learned throughout the day. A tired brain also increases stress levels and hinders retention of information and reasoning over time, which causes both forgetfulness and makes the person more confused.
Check out the top 10 tips to get a good night's sleep.
6. Avoid sleeping pills
For example, some sleeping pills, such as diazepam, Clonazepam, or Lorazepam, for example, should only be used if necessary, prescribed by a psychiatrist or neurologist, because if used excessively and unnecessarily, they increase the risk of Alzheimer's.
Other medications, such as anticonvulsants and anti-dizziness such as cinarizine and flunarizine, for example, can also cause brain confusion and forgetfulness. In this way, it is very important to start using medicines only with medical guidance.
7. Avoid alcoholic beverages
Too much alcohol, in addition to other habits, such as smoking and using drugs, are highly toxic to the brain, speeding up memory loss and hindering thinking, and should be avoided if you want to have good brain health.
8. Do annual check-ups
It is very important to investigate the presence and correct treatment of diseases such as high blood pressure, diabetes, high cholesterol or hormonal changes, because if they are not controlled, they can impair the blood circulation and gradually deteriorate the functioning of various organs, such as brain, heart and kidneys.
