Why Do We Forget Things As We Mature?
We are all faced with the reality of memory loss when a beloved
friend, parent or grandparent advances in age. It is not
uncommon for older people to forget small details like where
they put their glasses, or their favorite book. They may forget
meetings and appointments.
This forgetfulness can become very traumatic, as one starts to
experience feelings of loss, lack of worth and incompetence. One
of the main causes for memory loss as we grow older is called
Age Associated Memory Impairment. This disorder appears to
attack short-term memory more than older, more long-term
memories, like the names of family members which seem to remain
intact with AAMI sufferers.
One of the primary cause for memory loss as we grow older is
dementia. Dementia is actually a symptom and not a disease
itself. It is caused by other diseases like Alzheimer's,
Parkinson's disease, vascular disease, Pick's disease, AIDS and
other deficiencies and impairments that slow and dull the
intellectual functions of the mind.
Our memory is the brain's ability to recall and recognize
impressions, events, facts and ideas. Memory is stored in the
pathways of the brain through neurons, gray cells in the brain.
When we experience memory loss it is due to damage to these
neurons.
Increasing numbers of healthy, normal people over the age of
fifty are experiencing a decline in mental faculties. Memory
loss can be of two sorts, short term memory loss, which refers
to events that happened minutes or even an hour ago, and long
term memory loss which pertains to events that have taken place
in the more distant past.
Although it is always disheartening when it occurs, memory loss
can be combated. In times past, causes for memory loss were seen
as the natural outcome of aging, but it has been scientifically
proven that this is not true.
With proper care, a person's memory can be kept active
throughout their lifetime, even though memory may slow down and
take some time to kick in. However, it is not impossible to stay
alert and keep a sharp memory despite advancing age.
Slight memory loss is often seen as the precursor to something
much more serious such as Alzheimer's disease. Alzheimer's
disease is a condition in which changes in the brain's cells
result in the death of a large numbers of brain cells. This
causes forgetfulness, a lack of comprehension of basic tasks and
problems with communicating.
Alzheimer's patients are vulnerable to other disease as they may
forget to perform basic tasks of personal hygiene and nutrition;
forgetting to bath and/or eat right. The normal defense
mechanisms of the mind fail during this condition.
It can be particularly bewildering since the Alzheimer's patient
may not remember whether or not he has eaten, taken medication
or performed other tasks essential for continued health and
vitality.
Although the causes of memory loss as we grow older are
numerous, if we follow a few simple rules we can keep memory
loss at bay for many years to come and enjoy a relatively sharp
memory throughout our lives. 1. A healthy diet for starters is a
must. You must be careful to include nutritious and vitamin-rich
foods in your diet. 2. If you are suffering from cholesterol or
high blood pressure, you must be careful to reduce your intake
of salt and cut down on rich and fatty foods. 3. Adopt an
exercise routine, walking, light jogging and swimming are simple
ways to keep the body exercised and stress free. 4. Yoga and
other stress reduction programs can relieve tension, and
actually eliminate toxins in your body that may bring about
disease.
Scientists continue to make remarkable strides in helping
sufferers with memory loss. There are pharmaceutical as well as
natural substances one can take to forestall, and in some cases
actually help reverse memory loss. One of the products that we
have heard very good things about is Neurovar