Memory decline as believed may not necessarily be related to aging, although mild memory loss can be as a result of aging. It is also noteworthy to point out that other factors like lifestyle and health issues may also contribute to memory decline. They include sleep deprivation, unhealthy diet, medication, diabetes, high blood pressure, lack of exercise, obesity, stroke, etc.
Sleep deprivation
Sleep strengthens the link between brain cells, which helps you remember information for a long-term. Consequently, any deprivation of sleep makes it difficult to remember things, particularly when your mind is wandering due to lack of sleep. A good “sleep hygiene” of eight hours a night coupled with exercise, regular sleep schedule, and avoiding nighttime alcohol and caffeine is recommended to keep the brain healthy.
Unhealthy diet
Unhealthy eating can lead to heart disease, which can cause brain issues including memory problems and dementia. This is why the heart-healthy Mediterranean-style diet is good for your brain, too. The diet includes whole grains, fruits, vegetables, fish, nuts, olive oil, and other healthy fats like avocado. Excessive intake of red meat should also be avoided.
Medication
Sleep aid medication, blood pressure meds, antihistamines, and antidepressant can reduce your memory power. You should note that you may react differently to someone else on the same pill or combination of pills which is why you should inform your doctor about any memory issues when you start a new medication. An adjustment to your dose or alternative prescription may be advised.
Diabetes
If you have diabetes, you’re more likely to develop memory problems including dementia. Scientists are still not certain why this happens. In the meantime, you can slow this memory decline by preventing or at least controlling your diabetes with medicine, exercise, and a healthy diet.
High blood pressure
High blood pressure (hypertension) raises your risk of memory problems, including dementia. This is because it damages the tiny blood vessels in your brain. It also can lead to other conditions like stroke that cause dementia. But if you can control your blood pressure with diet, exercise, and medication, you can also slow or prevent your memory slipping.
Family genes
Another reason that may contribute to memory decline may be in your family’s gene. Genes matter more in some types of dementia than others. Hence, a gene that affects memory in one person might have no effect in another. So a genetic test from your doctor may provide some useful information.
Smoking
Smoking reduces parts of your brain that help you think and remember things. This raises your risk of dementia, possibly because it’s bad for your blood vessels. And for sure increases your risk of stroke, damage your brain, and cause vascular dementia. Therefore, try to quit if you smoke.
Heart disease
Atherosclerosis is when plaque builds up in your arteries and slows blood flow to your brain and other organs. This makes it harder to think clearly and remember things. Also could lead to a heart attack or stroke, which raise your chances of dementia.
Stroke
A stroke stops the flow of blood to part of your brain thus damaging your brain tissue. This can make it hard to think, speak, remember, or pay attention. It’s called vascular dementia. Things that raise your risk of stroke like high blood pressure, heart disease, and smoking may also cause this type of dementia. If you think you’re having a stroke, remember FAST: Face drooping, Arm weakness, Speech problems, call your medical emergency in your area.
Depression and anxiety
It’s difficult to concentrate and remember things if you’re depressed or anxious, and more likely to develop dementia. So speak with your doctor or therapist if anxiety or depression interferes with your enjoyment of normal daily life. Therapy and medication can help.
Head injury
A traumatic brain injury can affect short-term memory. You might forget appointments or feel unsure of what you did earlier in the day. Rest, medicine, and medical rehab can help you recover. Repeated hits to your head, as in boxing or football, raises your risk for dementia later in life. Hence visit the hospital if you hit your head and then pass out. Or have blurry vision, or if you feel dizzy, confused, or unwell.
Obesity
You have a higher risk for dementia in later life if your body mass index (BMI) is over 30 in middle age. And any extra pounds make heart disease more likely, which can lead to brain decline and memory problems. So, speak with your doctor about the right weight for you. You may be able to improve yours with a healthy diet and regular exercise.
Lack of exercise
Regular exercise lessens the risk of brain decline, memory problems, and dementia. Exercising helps improve brain function for those who already have dementia. It really doesn’t have to be too stressful as it can just be going outdoors, taking a walk, jogging, swimming, or even dancing.
Aging
When memory starts to interfere with your daily life it is called dementia which gets worse as you get older. The most common form of dementia is Alzheimer’s which doubles every five years after age 65. Though your genes play a part in why this happens, so do things like diet, exercise, social life, and illnesses like diabetes, high blood pressure, and heart disease.
Abiola is the founder of Indulge™ group of companies, a healthy-living focused group. A passionate believer in a healthy lifestyle, living in the United Kingdom made it easy for her to pursue a health and fitness regime. She is the Managing Director/CEO of Indulge Nigeria Limited and Indulge Cares Nigeria Limited, both companies promoting the benefits of a healthy lifestyle for the prevention of illnesses and diseases. Abiola is available on https://www.indulgeinhealthyliving.com/
