If I Could Remember Your Name, I'd Ask You Where I Put My Keys It’s a pretty common experience: You just had your keys and now you can’t find them anywhere. About 75 percent of people over age 50 say they have had some sort of “memory problem” in the past year. Memory loss and confusion are not inevitable with aging. Most people stay alert as they age, although researchers acknowledge that it takes us longer to remember things as we grow older, particularly after age 70. Our minds are like computers: the older we become, the more information we have stored on the “hard drive,” and the longer it takes to access it. Memory is commonly divided into Short-term memory, which presents most of the problems. We cannot keep information in it for very long without losing some of it. For example, when we call for a number from directory assistance, we may forget the number even before dialing (hint: write it down as you get it). Long-term memory, which is usually less affected. But problems do arise, such as forgetting the name of someone you haven’t seen for a very long time. Working memory, the ability to do two things at once. This may decline in later life and affect your ability, for example, to subtract two large numbers in your head. Memory lapses usually don’t mean Alzheimer’s disease. They mean you can work on the things known to affect memory, try medications and alternative therapies that help some people with memory, and employ some of the many memory-enhancing “tricks” that help you remember life’s details. Is It Normal or Is It Alzheimer’s Disease? When we lose our keys or forget a name, we worry that it may be the start of the insidious slide into Alzheimer’s disease (AD). Although early, normal changes in memory and early AD are similar, the two are very different. Here’s how they differ: Signs of normal forgetfulness Forget where you park the car Forget (momentarily) your hairdresser’s name Forget where you went for prom (but remember what you wore) Forget to buy eggs at the grocery store Possible signs of Alzheimer’s disease Forget how to drive Forget your husband’s or wife’s name Forget you were in the hospital last week Forget what the grocery store is for Things That Affect Memory A number of things negatively affect memory, including Alcohol. More than one to two drinks a day can affect your brain in a way that harms your memory. Depression and other concerns. Long-term depression greatly affects memory. Many older people who seem to be confused, forgetful, or even suffering from dementia may, in fact, be suffering from depression. Stress, anxiety, grief, loneliness, and fatigue also affect our ability to remember things. Inactivity. Lack of exercise and becoming less active can also affect memory. Medications. Some (not all) common medicines that cause confusion are sedatives and tranquilizers, antihistamines, medications for high blood pressure and heart problems, and painkillers. Poor or ill health. Dehydration, fever, thyroid problems, poor nutrition, menopause, respiratory illnesses, heart and lung diseases, and minor head injuries can all affect alertness and memory. Sensory deficits. We learn and remember things through a combination of cues, including sight and sound. With age-related hearing and vision losses, information taken in can become muddled and not well-remembered. Things That Help Memory There are general strategies known to keep your memory healthy and in working condition. Eat well. A well-balanced diet—plenty of fruits, vegetables, and whole grains—enhances overall good health and may help prevent conditions, such as stroke, that can affect memory. Get an attitude. A positive attitude toward memory lapses as normal and/or “fixable” by paying attention bodes well for a healthy memory. Research shows, however, that while younger people tend to believe that forgetting isn’t usually significant, older people are far more likely to think lapses are signs of decline or AD. This can start a cycle of anxiety and self-blame for Forgetfulness, which does not create a climate for a healthy memory (see side bar). Get exercise. Exercise raises your heart rate, expands your lung capacity, and increases your body’s ability to deliver blood (and oxygen) to your brain. A brisk, daily walk is good for your body, spirit, and mind. Pay attention. To keep memory perking along, pay attention by pausing and slowing down, which takes effort. When you don’t pay attention, you can’t register information to recall. With age, people tend to become more easily distracted and memory suffers as a result. Before you rush out the door, pause and go over what you need—your keys, the grocery list, and the library book to return. Really focus on turning off the iron so you won’t agonize during vacation about whether or not you left it on. Take time to jot down where you parked at the mall so your car won’t become “lost.” Stay involved and connected. Volunteer to deliver for Meals on Wheels. Learn Spanish. Join a group to clean up the local park or take up bird-watching. Don’t stay home and vegetate and brood. Memory thrives on stimulation. Medications and Alternative Therapies for Memory Memory loss is a very common concern, and many drugs and substances have been developed and promoted to address this concern. Among the most promising are Donepazil, a drug that helps prevent the breakdown of acetylcholine, a brain cell communication chemical. It is used to treat mild AD. Ginkgo bilboa extract (GBE) from the ginkgo tree. Use of this substance has been traced back to ancient Chinese medicine (around 2800 b.c.). GBE is currently very popular for general memory loss and has been used for dementia and AD. Phosphatidylserine, a substance the body manufactures. In the brain, it helps cell membranes stay intact and able to pass fluids in and out, and has been used to treat depression, impaired mental function, and AD. Vitamin E, thought to be an antioxidant. This vitamin and donepazil will soon be tested in a three-year National Institute on Aging study on mild cognitive impairment, a condition with memory deficit, but not dementia. Hot Memory Tips To enhance your memory, some of the best things to do are to Buy a book. Books on enhancing memory abound. Check out the library, a bookstore, or the Internet if you want (lots) more memory tips. Buy a box. Medication boxes that organize the pills you need to take will help you avoid the nagging question of the day: “Did I take my pills … or not?” Get a big calendar. Use this “brain central” to record all your medical appointments, bridge dates, vacations, church activities, and business trips. Make lists. Jot down important details during telephone conversations. Keep a list on your refrigerator of the items you need from the grocery store. Get an address book for a detailed list of family members’ and friends’ whereabouts, birthdays, and e-mail addresses. Memory-proof routines. Two things that most often come up “missing” are keys and eyeglasses. Put a basket or key rack by your door and “make” yourself deposit your keys there each time you enter. Buy a neck cord—available in many materials and colors—for your glasses. Avoid the lost-glasses syndrome while “wearing” your glasses and looking very fashionable. Test Your Memory Attitude How many of these statements do you disagree with? 1. I’m not good at remembering things. 2. No matter how much I use my memory, it is bound to get worse. 3. Alzheimer’s disease is a common problem among the elderly. 4. There is not much I can do to keep my memory from going downhill. 5. As I get older, I’ll need to rely on others to remember things for me. 6. When I forget something, I’m apt to think I have Alzheimer’s disease. 7. I can’t remember things even if I want to. 8. There is no good way I can make up for the memory losses that come with age. 9. To have a good memory, I need to have others who can help me remember. If you disagreed with all of the above, you have a very positive memory attitude. If you agreed with seven to nine of the questions, you have a very negative view of memory. Scores between the extremes indicate mild to moderate attitudes about memory. Source: Lachman, M.E.; M. Bandura; S.L. Weaver; and E. Elliot. “Assessing memory control beliefs: The memory controllability inventory.” Aging and Cognition 2 (1995): 667-84. *Reprinted with permission from AIM International All articles and information on this website are for educational purposes only. They are not to be regarded or relied upon as medical advice. The articles and information have not been evaluated by the FDA. AIM products are not intended to cure, treat, heal, mitigate, or prevent a disease or illness. Results may vary per person. Consult your health practitioner if you have health problems. Call Toll-Free (888)752-1352 For Phone Ordering and Questions.    Independent Distributor's of AIM International, Y.H. Barleygreen, and Daily Wellness Health Products, all at Wholesale Prices. Natural Products are not intended to diagnose, cure, treat, mitigate, or prevent any disease or illness. Results may vary per person. All articles and information on this website are for educational purposes only. 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