Understanding memory loss

If those "senior moments" are happening more often, don't get too upset: it’s probably just natural, age-related memory loss. In such cases, treatment can be as easy as exercise classes, nutritional supplements or a simple change in your diet.

Most age-related memory loss is normal. Still, it’s hard not to be a bit concerned when you suddenly have trouble remembering your best friend’s first name or you can't find your house keys for the umpteenth time. So what is really going on upstairs?  Why isn't your brain as sharp as it used to be?

1. Age: One theory is that there’s a slowdown in the production of neurotransmitters — the chemicals that relay signals between the approximately 100 billion nerve cells (neurons) in your brain. Another suggests that as you age, blood flow to your brain is reduced — up to 20% by the time you're 70.
2. Other causes: However, much more mundane causes are probably responsible for why you have no remembrance of things past. Inadequate nutrition, lack of sleep or exercise, hormone imbalances, your medication mix, blood pressure problems and stress can all contribute to reduced recall. Depression is also a mind-muddler.
3. Mild cognitive impairment (MCI): But while forgetting where you left your keys is nothing to worry about, not knowing what your keys are used for should be a cause for concern. Persistent inability to recall familiar facts, failure to navigate known surroundings or asking the same question repeatedly and forgetting the answer could all signal the onset of what’s called mild cognitive impairment (MCI).

• Individuals with MCI – which doesn't seem to affect perception, abstract reasoning or language – are 10 times more likely to develop Alzheimer’s disease than the general population. The good news is that if you're still with-it enough to be concerned about your memory, it’s unlikely that you're in the first stages of Alzheimer’s.
• Another bit of good news is that scientists now believe that your brain cells are simply shrinking, not dying off, as was previously thought. Amazingly enough, recent research shows that, even if you're older, you may even be generating some healthy new cells in your hippocampus, the seahorse-shaped part of your brain that acts as the chief executive officer for your memories.

• Rule out underlying ailments. Have your thyroid hormone levels checked.
• Adopt lifestyle changes — improve your diet, get more exercise, and challenge your brain.
• Drugs may be necessary for mild cognitive impairment (MCI) or hormonal problems.

• Systematize your life. Getting organized can do wonders for your memory. Hang up a key rack and scrupulously maintain checklists of things to do.
• Keep your brain agile. This means regularly challenging yourself. It doesn't so much matter what you do as long as you set out to actively participate in some mentally invigorating activities.
• Learn a few tricks to stimulate recall. Try saying what you're doing out loud while you're doing it. Or come up with good associations. Interestingly, elderly people who are taught to use some memory-enhancing tricks have been shown via MRI scans to recruit more parts of their brains during word memorization tests.
• Decrease your use of non-prescription medications. Overuse of over-the-counter drugs may be the single biggest cause of memory loss or confusion in older adults.
• Try meditation. This age-old technique has been found to heighten a person’s ability to focus and concentrate, and to improve creativity and problem solving.
• Break with routine. Simply brushing your teeth with your non-dominant hand can stimulate new neurons.