Flog brain fog—before it progresses
We've all had those silly "senior moments." But for one in 5 of us over the age of 70, it's actually a form of memory loss.
The memory loss falls just short of being classified as dementia, but that doesn't mean it isn't a cause for concern. As this study showed, it can put you at greater risk of developing further dementia, not to mention being an aggravating, stress- inducing nuisance.
The study followed 856 seniors aged 71 and older who were taking part in the Health and Retirement Study. Participants completed a neuropsychological exam to gauge their level of memory at the start of the study. In addition, their close family members were interviewed to learn more about their memory and their ability to perform their regular activities.
The group was followed for four years. At the end of the study, results showed that 22 percent of the seniors had memory impairment.
What was startling for the researchers to discover was that this group who suffered some memory loss also had a higher risk of it progressing to dementia within about a year.
But about 20 percent of these folks also reverted back to what's considered a normal level of memory. Researchers explain this as possibly being a side effect of test taking: some people just don't test well, and those initial test scores may have been skewed as a result.
While it's great to only have some memory loss when compared with the devastation of actual dementia, it's important not to overlook the seriousness of this condition. Memory loss may cause problems when it comes time to take medications, or to handle your banking and your bills. It can be challenging just trying to get through your day and handle your affairs if you're struggling to remember the little details.
Also, if you're aware of memory lapses, it can cause anxiety as you begin to worry about your long-term mental health. The stress of that alone can cause even more incidences of memory lapse to occur, throwing you into a brain-fog cycle.
But there are simple things you can do to stay on top of your game and to sharpen your mind. For starters, slow down a bit. Make lists every morning for what you need to do and check off as you go. And by all means, make sure you're eating fresh fruits and vegetables that are loaded with the vitamins and minerals that your brain needs to function properly.
And last but not least—exercise. I mean physically and mentally. Physical exercise keeps oxygen-rich blood moving to all those cells you're using, and mental exercise challenges those neurons to make new connections. We've all heard about crossword puzzles, but try to find something new every week that will keep your brain on its toes.
