7 Tips to Boost Your Memory and Neurological Testing for Memory Loss

Not being able to remember small things like the name of a character in your favorite television show or whether you turned the gas off when you left home in the morning is more common than you might think.

We have all been there. However, things can get a bit more frustrating if such memory lapses occur regularly.

While such memory lapses can occur at any age, the incidences tend to increase as you get older. You might fear that such memory lapses might indicate dementia or a gradual fading of intellectual capabilities.

Significant memory loss might have an organic reason, such as a brain injury or early signs of Alzheimer’s disease.

That being said, most minor memory lapses are not a reason to worry. It is quite normal to lose your capability to remember things as your brain changes with age.

Thankfully, there has been a ton of research on this topic, and scientists have discovered some great ways to protect your brain’s cognitive functions.

The following is a list of some of the best techniques and tips that can help you sharpen your memory and prevent it from deteriorating with age.

Keep your brain occupied

One of the best things that you can do for your brain is to keep it active. The more you challenge your brain, the healthier it gets.

A highly active brain continues to function at a higher level improving your memory.

Several studies found that if you involve any brain-intensive activity for a few minutes a day, you can see a tremendous improvement in your memory.

Simple activities like solving crossword puzzles or a game of bridge can work wonders for your memory and overall cognitive health.

Even if your job entails mental activity, learning a new skill or a hobby can significantly improve your mental health, including your memory.

Engage in physical activity

Physical activity is as important for a healthy and functional brain as mental activity.

Several studies have found that people who engage in physical activities can reduce their cognitive decline due to aging.

Studies have also revealed that physical exercise can delay the progression of Alzheimer’s disease. The best exercise to boost your memory and cognitive function is aerobic exercise.

Studies have found that people who regularly engage in high-intensity interval training (HIIT) can boost their memory compared to people who perform moderate continuous training or stretching.

Some of the best exercises that can help you improve your memory include:

• Brisk walking
• Swimming
• Cycling
• Jogging

Control your sugar intake

Diet also plays a pivotal role in maintaining cognitive function and memory. Sugar has been known to be the root cause of several health issues, including a decline in your brain’s cognitive function and gradual memory loss.

Scientific evidence suggests that eating too much sugar in your diet can increase preclinical Alzheimer’s disease markers among high-risk individuals.

A study also found that eating too much added sugar can be correlated to a shrinking brain volume and susceptibility to memory loss, and a decline in cognitive function.

Although it might not be possible to shun added sugar altogether, it is quite possible to cut back on it. Try including an alternative to added refined sugar such as honey or agave nectar.

Eat fish oil

The benefits of antioxidants have been extensively studied throughout the years. One of the best supplements containing a potent antioxidant is fish oil.

The omega-3 fatty acids found in fish oil can provide you with many health benefits, including improving your memory.

The omega-3 fatty acids are known to relieve stress, and inflammation and prevent cognitive decline.

A study conducted on 36 adults with mild memory impairment found that the inclusion of fish oil supplements in their diets significantly improved their memory, especially short-term memory.

The most potent omega-3 fatty acids in fish oil include Docosahexaenoic acid (DHA) and Eicosapentaenoic acid (EPA). They are known to improve your memory and cognitive health.

If you don’t want to eat fish, you can get fish oil supplements from your local pharmacy as well.

Get enough sleep

Sleep can be a great healer. If you are sleep-deprived, your brain is under stress, and it can hurt your memory and cognitive health. Your body needs sleep to rejuvenate itself, and disrupting this process can cause major issues in your body.

Several studies have also revealed that memory consolidation occurs while you sleep. For instance, a survey conducted on 40 children found that memory retention was better with a sleep gap between learning and recall.

After learning something new, students who had a sleep break remembered it better than children who did not have this gap.

Exactly how much sleep you should get is a hotly debated issue in the scientific community, but most scientists suggest getting between 7 to 9 hours of uninterrupted sleep every night.

Avoid alcohol and other recreational drugs

Alcohol and other recreational drugs can impact your cognitive function a great deal. One of the worst things for your memory and brain health, in general, is binge drinking, where your blood alcohol level rises above 0.08 grams per ml.

An interesting study on first-year college students found that students who drank six or more alcoholic beverages within a week fared poorly in memory recall tests.

Alcohol is a sedative, and it can decrease the function of your neurons. It is also a known neurotoxin- an agent that is toxic to your neurons at higher concentrations.

Most doctors recommend limiting your alcohol intake to two drinks a day.

Get tested for deficiency of vitamin D

If you are experiencing memory lapses, it is advisable to get your vitamin D levels checked.

Vitamin D is an important part of your diet that plays many roles in your body, including helping out your brain.

Scientific studies indicate that a vitamin D deficiency can lead to a decline in cognitive function.

A deficiency in this important vitamin has also been linked to an increase in the risk of dementia.

One of the best ways to get vitamin D is to soak up in the sun.

Your body can synthesize its vitamin D with the help of sunlight. You can also get this important vitamin from milk, eggs, and fruits.

When to get evaluated

Many people experience occasional memory lapses, such as forgetting where they parked their car or the name of a new acquaintance.

However, if you are frequently forgetting important information or struggling to retain new information, it may be time to see a doctor.

Memory loss can be caused by a variety of factors, including stress, sleep deprivation, and certain medical conditions. If you are experiencing memory loss, your doctor will perform a series of tests to determine the cause.

These tests may include a physical examination, a review of your medical history, and cognitive testing.

If your doctor suspects that you are experiencing memory loss due to a medical condition, they may order additional tests, such as imaging scans or blood tests.

Treatment for memory loss will depend on the underlying cause.

In some cases, simple lifestyle changes, such as getting more sleep or reducing stress, may improve your memory.

However, if your memory loss is due to a more serious condition, such as Alzheimer’s disease or dementia, you may need to receive specialized care.

Normal aging

Memory loss can be a normal part of aging. However, it can also be a symptom of certain medical conditions.

If you’re concerned about your memory, it’s important to consult with a doctor. They will be able to evaluate your cognitive function and rule out any underlying causes.

There are several tools that doctors use to assess memory and cognitive function.

The mini-mental state examination is a widely used cognitive test that assesses orientation, attention, language, and visuospatial abilities. A score of 25/30 or better generally indicates normal age-related memory changes.

The Montreal cognitive assessment is another tool that can be used to screen for cognitive impairment. A score of 26/30 or better generally indicates normal age-related memory changes.

Mild cognitive impairment (MCI)

Mild cognitive impairment (MCI) is a neurological condition characterized by deficits in memory, language, and other cognitive skills.

While MCI can occur in people of any age, it is most common in older adults. People with MCI may experience difficulty remembering recent events or conversations, and they may have trouble finding the right words when speaking.

Additionally, they may have difficulty with tasks that require planning or executive functioning skills.

They are still able to perform basic everyday tasks with little or no difficulty.

While MCI can be a normal part of aging, it can also be an early sign of dementia.

Early diagnosis and treatment of MCI may help to delay or prevent the progression of dementia.

Alzheimer’s

Alzheimer’s disease is a type of dementia that causes problems with memory, thinking, and behavior.

Symptoms typically develop slowly and get worse over time, eventually impacting the ability to perform daily activities.

A diagnosis of Alzheimer’s disease can be made based on neuropsychological testing and the presence of cognitive deficits, such as memory loss or difficulties with language or executive functioning.

A neuropsychological evaluation can help to differentiate between mild cognitive impairment and dementia and also evaluate for symptoms and signs of traumatic brain injury, depression, and other issues related to brain and spinal cord function.

While there is no cure for Alzheimer’s disease, treatments are available to help manage symptoms and support patients and caregivers.

Ultimately, Alzheimer’s disease is a devastating condition that significantly impacts the lives of those affected by it.

Brain testing for memory loss

There are several diagnostic tests that may be done to evaluate cognitive function. All of these tests together can rule out causes of memory loss not related to dementia and also help to rule in dementia.

Neuropsychological assessment

A neuropsychological assessment is an evaluation of cognitive changes that may have occurred due to a neurological condition.

The test is usually administered by a professional in a clinical neuropsychology office.

It typically takes several hours to complete and involves a series of cognitive tasks, such as problem-solving, memory recall, and attention span.

This information can be used to develop a treatment plan that is customized to the individual’s needs.

Magnetic resonance imaging

MRI brain imaging is a type of scan that can help to detect changes in brain tissue. It is often used to diagnose conditions such as dementia.

MRI scans use magnetic fields and radio waves to create detailed images of the brain.

These images can then be used to look for signs of damage or disease. MRI brain imaging is a non-invasive procedure, which means it does not require surgery or exposure to radiation.

This makes it a safe and effective way to diagnose conditions that affect the brain.

How Prime MD Plus can help

Prime MD Plus is a medical clinic that offers services for memory loss. The practice is run by a board-certified geriatrician.

The clinic offers a range of services to help patients with memory loss, including cognitive testing, brain training, and medication management.

The goal of the clinic is to help patients improve their quality of life by providing them with the tools they need to manage their condition.

With the help of Prime MD Plus, patients with memory loss can receive the treatment they need to live happy and productive lives.

Conclusion

There are several ways to boost your memory, irrespective of your age. Keeping your mind and body active is a great way to stimulate your memory.

Paying attention to what you eat is also an excellent way to prevent your memory from declining as you age.

Consult a specialized doctor for any kind of memory issues with Prime MD Plus, where you can connect with a board-certified geriatrician in the Dallas-Fort Worth area to help diagnose and manage any memory problems you may have.

Check out primemdplus.com for more information.