Age-related memory loss usually affects recent memory more than distant memory. So, for example, you may forget the name of a person you met a few minutes ago, or an object the woman asked to buy in the store, while you can clearly remember things that happened last week or many years ago.

Fortunately, there are ways to combat the memory loss that occurs with aging. A combination of regular mental stimulation and maintaining physical health may help you maintain mental sharpness even in later ages.

Tips for maintaining a sharp memory

There are several ways to combat memory loss, including:

- Keeping an active brain. Challenge your mental abilities and your brain, as this may stimulate your brain cells and keep your thinking sharp. Reading, writing, developing a new skill or relearning old skills are ways to train the brain. You can also stimulate your brain with problem solving games and puzzles. These mental challenges should be a regular part of your life routine.

- Get rid of the pressure. Prolonged stress over many weeks has been shown to cause memory loss through chemical changes in the brain and damage to the hippocampus, an area of the brain where the new memories are stored.

– Stay socially active

Connections with other people may improve your mental performance. Social activities are often intellectually stimulating, and stimulate memory function. Friends may even provide the support you need in times of stress. Accordingly, studies have suggested that situations of loneliness increase the risk of memory loss and dementia.  

- Exercise

Physical activity maintains blood flow to the brain, leaving the brain cells properly supplied with oxygen and nutrients.

- Avoid smoking and excessive alcohol consumption

Smokers have been shown to perform worse, compared to non-smokers, in memory studies and tests of thinking skills. Increased alcohol consumption is also known to cause memory loss.

– Trauma

Head trauma is one of the main causes of memory loss, as well as a possible cause of dementia later in life. Because of this, a helmet and other protective equipment must be worn regularly when performing extremely fast activities or during contact sports.

When memory loss becomes serious…

How can worsening memory loss be detected, as a symptom of dementia or Alzheimer's?

Here are some warning signs:

- Forgetfulness increases to a considerable extent: we all forget from time to time plans we made or the location of various objects, but if you find yourself missing planned activities especially often or losing objects with a particularly high frequency, this may be a sign that you should be checked.

- Difficulty performing actions that you have performed many times in the past: inability to manage your checkbook is one example of this.

- Difficulty in learning new things: You find yourself having difficulty grasping new things, even though you feel it should be extremely easy.

- Repeating yourself: repeating a story you've already told, repeating questions you've already asked, or repeating sentences you've already said during a conversation, may be a sign of advanced memory loss.  

- Confusion: If you suffer from significant memory deterioration, you may find yourself lost in a familiar place. You may also put things in inappropriate places, like a wallet in the oven, for example, because you can't remember where you put it.

If you find yourself experiencing any of these symptoms, you should see your family doctor. The doctor will ask you questions that will objectively test your memory and your thinking skills, and will perform a physical exam and other possible diagnostic tests. The doctor will also be able to recommend ways to help you improve your memory function and, if necessary, he can even prescribe you medications that are known to help dementia or Alzheimer's.