28 Apr Exercising Your Brain Decreases Memory Loss While Increasing Quality of Life
Around 40% of people start suffering from memory loss after age 65 which directly affects their mental health. Whether you are over the age of 65 or are close to someone who is, you may want to combat memory loss. The best way to do this is to exercise your brain.
An active brain increases a person’s quality of life as it supports good mental health, can increase physical activity, and cause you to eat and sleep in a healthier way. We all want that, for ourselves and our loved ones. We need ways to keep our minds as intact as possible while aging.
The question is: What can we do to maintain a healthy memory as we get older?
Happy senior woman and caregiver doing a puzzle together.
Brain Exercises
There are many ways to work out your brain and the best thing is that they are usually fun activities that you don’t mind doing in the first place. Healthy practices to decrease memory loss include:
- Reading and writing
- Games, riddles, and puzzles
- Start a new hobby
- Go back to school
- Increase your socialization
Crossword puzzles, Sudoku, and other challenging games are excellent ways to practice your cognitive skills. Keep a journal, perhaps, and write about your day while analyzing the decisions that you made. Research something that interests you and share what you have learned with a friend. Cook more using recipes and invite friends over to enjoy what you have made.
Exercise increases your oxygen supply, especially to the brain, increasing your ability to think quickly and clearly. Eating and sleeping in healthier ways can rest and fuel your brain so that it works as well as it can.
Most importantly, monitor your loved one for signs of confusion.
Memory Loss Symptoms
Memory loss can come naturally with age, or it can be a symptom of a larger problem. Dementia and Alzheimer’s Disease may be possible in more serious situations and can be checked for and diagnosed by a doctor.
The symptoms of memory loss include:
- Repeatedly losing things
- Reduction of critical thinking skills
- Forgetting special days, appointments, and directions
- Asking for information to be repeated; repeating questions previously asked and answered
- Serious and surprise mood swings while confusing words
Memory loss that comes on gradually may be natural due to age, but observation is key in recognizing whether it is harmless or serious and needs direct attention. Memory loss that occurs quickly, and deteriorates quickly, needs medical attention as soon as you can.
No matter how the mind is affected by memory loss, these activities will work to keep your brain sharp and help maintain cognitive functions. Indeed, help is always available to those who need it.
In-Home Care Best for Memory Loss
The best way to deal with a loved one’s memory loss is to keep them in their home and call Family Tree In-Home Care for aid, however, you need it.
Does your loved one need constant care, a social companion, or medication reminders? Do you need support, even relief, in the amount of care that your loved one needs? If so, we are here for you in almost any capacity you need.
Contact us at (713) 333-9991 to schedule a complimentary consultation with our qualified home-care experts. Further, we will customize a plan that fits all of your needs, individually, and ensure the safety and quality of your care. We’re here for your family.