Why keep the brain sharp? Well, memory loss affects most people. Although it varies from individual to individual to a certain degree, it is a more common problem than most people realize. It could be occasional memory loss or profound forgetfulness that might require a professional diagnosis, whereby a neurologist has to determine one’s mental ability or function.
Common causes of memory loss include head injuries, substance abuse, depression, and sleep deprivation. Other causes include dementia, which is common in adults over 65 years. Dementia is a brain condition that leads to progressive memory loss and other aspects of cognition, such as thinking and reasoning, which may affect the ability to function in daily activities. Alzheimer’s disease is the most common form of dementia.
Signs of memory loss
The following are serious memory loss signs that should not be ignored:
- Getting lost in a familiar area
- Taking long to perform a task that one is used to
- Omitting words in a sentence
- Repeating a question often.
- Misplacing items
- Changes in mood and behavior
- Forgetting people
Memory loss should be managed. Identifying memory loss is crucial as it can disrupt one’s daily activities. So how does one go about improving memory and keeping the brain agile?
Keeping The Brain Sharp
Mental acuity affects daily functioning. It is hard to be effective when you can’t remember things or need to rely on others to remind you. Factors such as exercise and diet play a role in ensuring that we get things done and don’t forget instructions or directions that we get on by day to day.
To keep your brain in the best working condition and improve memory and concentration, there are certain foods that you will need to consume regularly. Fatty fish such as salmon, sardines, and trout are rich sources of omega 3. Omega 3 fatty acids are required to build the brain, therefore improving learning and memory. Fish oil supplements are also recommended as a source of Omega 3. Vitamins are also necessary for proper brain function. These include vitamins A, B, C, E, and K or the necessary supplementation necessary for proper cognitive functioning.
There are many methods of exercising the brain. They do, however, require some effort. Most people do not realize the significance of exercising the brain. These exercises are necessary for boosting memory and concentration. Most of these tasks can be performed daily and are fun, easy, and keep the brain sharp.
The following are various activities and products that can help in keeping the brain sharp:
Playing Games
Games challenge the brain as they enhance concentration and memory. Take Jigsaw puzzles for instance, jigsaw puzzles significantly exercise the brain. When putting together a puzzle, there are many cognitive abilities at play. By figuring out where each piece fits in the picture, the brain is challenged, and therefore a method is required for strengthening the brain.
A game of cards can also increase the brain’s volume. It could improve memory and critical thinking. Playing challenging indoor games and video games are necessary for reducing memory loss. Check out https://boomagain.com/ for more on great trivia gaming products that you could indulge in.
Listen To Music
Listening to music reduces anxiety and depression. It also enhances sleep quality, mood, memory learning, and concentration. Creativity is also enhanced. By putting on some feel-good music when performing an activity, the brain gets into action, enhancing one’s performance. Playing an instrument or learning to play one is also suitable for boosting brain power and enhancing the brain’s creativity.
Learning
Learning a new skill, language, or craft is good for memory building. By learning a new skill, you get to strengthen the brain connectors. It helps in the improvement of memory and thinking abilities. Teaching skill is also good in strengthening the brain. The introduction of different concepts when learning a language enhances creativity and critical thinking skills. Vocabulary building is also suitable for brain development. Vocabulary tasks involve many regions of the brain, especially the auditory and visual processing areas. Vocabulary exercises like writing down a new word, checking the word’s definition, and trying to remember and using it in sentences the following day help enhance memory abilities.
Changing Methods
Don’t use the same method of doing something. By learning new ways to do the same thing, you get to flex your brain’s muscles. The episodic memory of the brain is activated, for example, when different routes are used by a driver such that recall of an area improves the semantic memory. Using new methods to do things, the brain builds new and complex connections that challenge the brain.
Be More Observant
By being keener on details, you not only develop your observation skills, but you also get to enhance your ability to recall. For instance, when you meet someone, try noting things about them and then try to remember those details about them the next day.
Dance
Dancing is not just a good fitness exercise, but apparently, it is good for the brain. Learning a new dance move increases memory and processing speed. The areas of the brain that control memory and skills are enhanced by dancing. By recalling moves and patterns, the brain gets to be challenged.
Practice Tai Chi
Tai Chi is a low impact gentle exercise that does wonders to the brain. It helps in improving sleep quality, reduces stress, and greatly improves memory. Long term use of Tai Chi can bring about structural changes in the brain that could increase brain volume.
Engage All Your Senses
Using all your senses strengthens the brain. To exercise the brain, try doing activities that will engage all your senses. Not just multitasking but also performing tasks that will help use all your senses, giving the brain a necessary workout.
Today we are all about gadgets and enhancing communication in cyberspace such that we do not make time for challenging tasks that would be good for enhancing brain sharpness. We do not want to get involved in mundane tasks that are not directly beneficial, yet learning a new skill or playing challenging games is good for improving cognition and memory, which is necessary for our schedules’ day-to-day demands.
