From thinning hair to an ever-expanding mid-section, getting older is fraught with several unwanted changes and challenges. However, if you're suffering from any form of memory loss, whether it's innocent forgetfulness or a mild cognitive impairment (MCI), you may be making lifestyle choices that are actually making this issue worse. Here are three habits, situations and medical issues that many seniors experience that could be impacting their memory loss:
The Foods You Eat
If you've been enjoying your favorite, not-so healthy foods and beverages more than usual, your poor diet choices can actually be impacting your memory and mental health.
According to Medical Daily, these additives can all negatively affect the health of your brain:
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Sugar
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Monosodium Glutamate (MSG)
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Salt
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Caffeine
In addition, another seemingly-healthy food could also be contributing to your memory loss: tofu. According to Medical Daily, a study conducted by the publication Dementias and Geriatric Cognitive Disordered found that a substance in tofu, phytoestrogens, can actually make your memory worse.
Thankfully, there are many delicious foods that can help boost your memory and brain power. According to Good Foods, these include:
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Broccoli
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Blueberries
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Eggs
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Brown Rice
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Tomatoes
If you enjoy dining out with friends, Good Foods recommends consuming seafood rich in omega-3 fats. These include herring, trout, kippers and salmons. However, if you're not a fan of fish, flax seed oil, pumpkin seeds and walnut oil also contain omega-3 fats, as well!
The Impact of Stress
For many seniors, the stress of kids, commutes and parent-teacher conferences is replaced with worrying about an aging spouse or unpaid medical bills. In addition to affecting many other aspects of your health, stress can also lead to memory loss.
According to Health, many of these stressful thoughts can actually make it difficult for your brain to remember things from the past or learn new things in the present and future. Think back to the last time you were worrying about a stressful situation? Did you find it difficult to concentrate or focus on the simplest tasks?
If you're suffering from stress, don't hesitate to speak to your physician. In addition, there are many other simple things you can do to relieve your anxiety, which allows you to focus on more important things. Exercise, keeping your brain focused on more enjoyable activities, such as your morning crossword puzzle, or simply having lunch with friends are all amazing ways to eliminate stress.
Having Trouble Sleeping?
From arthritis, restless leg syndrome and other conditions to a major illness or simply a feeling of isolation, according to WebMD, there are several reasons why many seniors have trouble sleeping at night. Aside from making you severely cranky, prolonged sleep deprivation can negatively impact your memory.
According to WebMD, while your body sleeps, your brain is busy processing events from the previous day. Your brain is also creating memories and if you're not getting an adequate amount of sleep, it's more difficult for you to retain those images and ideas.
Before you speak to your doctor or inquire about any prescription sleep aids, there are a few simple ways you can get restorative sleep every night:
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Maintain a Regular Bedtime
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Take Shorter Naps, or Skip Them All Together
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Avoid Caffeine Before Bedtime
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Flip Off the Television
You might assume that memory loss is just another unfortunate side effect of getting older. However, there may be more manageable reasons why you're having trouble remembering to grab your mail or call your kids on their birthdays. However, if your memory loss is severe and having a profound impact on your life, don't hesitate to speak to your doctor about Alzheimer's care or other possible concerns immediately.
