Why is it that I can't remember where I put the receipt to a blouse I bought last week, but I can quickly recall who sang "Wild Thing," a popular song in the 60s?
As we age, we often experience those senior moments that frustrate us to no end. Need some tips to help to improve your memory? I've listed several below; some are easy, but others take some effort.
Easy:
1. Chew Gum: Japanese researchers believe chewing gum increases heart rate which delivers extra oxygen to the brain.
2. Take a Nap: Nap Researchers from the University of California claimed that napping can restore brainpower by up to 40 percent.
3. Eat Olive Oil and Avocados: According to scientists at the University of California, Irvine, some of the compounds in olive oil and avocados can activate memory-enhancing signals in the amygdala, "the part of the brain that handles emotional memories."
4. Increase Your Magnesium: By taking the recommended daily allowance (420 mg per day for men and 320 mg per day for women) of this mineral, it may help enhance cognitive abilities. Magnesium is also found in fish, apples, bananas and whole-grain cereals.
5. Enjoy the Smell of Fresh Cut Grass: Neuroscientists at the University of Queensland, Brisbane have discovered the following: "the scent of fresh-cut grass triggers two sections of the brain -- the amygdala (which deals with emotions) and the hippocampus (which deals with memory)." Don't feel like mowing the lawn? Google some combination of the terms "scented candles or fragrance oil: fresh-cut grass". You'll find an array of choices for purchase.
Not So Easy:
6. Exercise: Neuroscientist Peter Snyder, a researcher at Brown University's Alpert Medical School and Rhode Island Hospital has found a significant chemical change in the hippocampus during aerobic exercise due to the boost in a brain protein called BDNF. Yes, we all know that exercise is necessary for everybody!
7. Lose Weight: According to an article entitled: "Weight loss improves memory, research shows", in USA Today, written by Nanci Hellmich, if we have a healthy body, we will have a healthier brain. Okay, we know that, too.
8. Stay Mentally Activity: Doing crossword puzzles, reading something different than you normally would, driving alternate routes, and learning something new are all excellent ways to keep your memory stimulated.
9. Social Interaction: Depression and stress can contribute to memory loss. Too tired to go out after work? Push yourself!
10. Declutter: Tips listed by the Mayo Clinic Staff in their article: "Memory loss: 7 tips to improve your memory", included getting organized. Whether it be at home, work, and/or your wallet, making sure things are in order can definitely help your memory.
Try a few of these tips and maybe you'll discover a decrease in your "senior moments".
By the way, the receipt for that blouse was in my wallet, right where I put it, and the song Wild Thing was a hit in 1968 by The Troggs.
http://www.huffingtonpost.com/2011/01/05/improve-memory-8-tips-_n_803910.html#s218628&title=Sniff_This
http://www.npr.org/2011/02/21/133777018/aerobic-exercise-may-improve-memory-in-seniors
http://www.usatoday.com/yourlife/fitness/2011-04-14-weight-loss-memory-study.htm
http://www.mayoclinic.com/health/memory-loss/HA00001
http://www.theheartlinknetwork.com/blog/?p=1477
Reviewed June 17, 2011
Edited by Alison Stanton