ADJUST LIFESTYLE FOR BETTER MEMORY?

Unlike manifold assumption: memory decline is neither an Act of God nor is it a localized medical condition. Instead, it is part of your lifestyle in your own hands. Learn how to manage this biologic phenomenon naturally.

THE PHILOSOPHY BEHIND

Florentine Bassey from Lebanon, NH, asks:
 
The older I get, the more my memory declines. While this may a quite normal biologic process, I wonder if and what I can do in order to at least slow down this process - without any pills - Doc?
 
Dr. Fritz:
 
Up or down of our cognitive performance is absolutely not an isolated law of nature. Fortunately, we can help ourselves to slow down this biologic development during lifetime, naturally.
 

 LIFESTYLE ADJUSTMENTS – SCIENTIFICALLY VALIDATED
 

Only recently, the American Heart Association/Stroke Association have proposed a plan with lifestyle adjustments for supporting cognitive function. Inter alia….

Physical Activity

Physical exercise (especially aerobic) is one basic parameter in life to support health in general, and to keep our cognitive function active, specifically. Not only in later years but already as a child. Supporting also motor and learning skills.
 
Even 20 minutes of high-interval training for 6 weeks only can improve the cognitive function considerably.
 
Similar results may be achieved by temporarily brisk walking or cycling just for 10 minutes,
 
If you like it more gentle, 25 minutes of mindful meditation daily may well achieve same benefits. 
 
Based on worldwide research at, inter alia, Augusta University in Augusta, GA, Monarch University in Melbourne, Australia, and the University of Granada in Spain.

Mediterranean Diet

As you have learned already from our previous blogs, Mediterranean diet is one of the healthiest diets on this planet. With lots of fruits, vegetables, olive oil, seeds, beans, whole grain, fish, wine, etc.  
 
Not to overlook the special benefit also of nuts as part of Mediterranean diet for your cognition, memory and other brain functions. With special reference to peanuts and pistachios.
 
According to, inter alia, McGill University in Montreal, Canada, Mediterranean diet may well offer also a long-term protection of our brain and slowing down cognitive decline.
 
Additionally, consider new challenges in daily life which may also improve your cognitive function, of which you may not have heard before:

Playing a musical instrument

Based on research at, inter alia, the University of Toronto and Stanford University in California, when playing a musical instrument, the sound protects the brain, also improving skills of hearing and listening. With special reference to cases of injuries or disease.  
 
Also,

Learning foreign languages

is an excellent workout for memory retention, slowing down cognitive decline during lifetime.
 
According to research at the University of Edinburgh, UK, and the University of Helsinki in Finland.

CONCLUSION

Your cognitive capacity and memory is by far not an isolated biologic phenomenon but rather a complex lifestyle factor.
 
Reminding us once more about the philosophy behind the thought-provoking quote of Harvard Health Letter from April 2007:
 
“Patient, manage thyself.” 

Take Easter as a challenge to start with!

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DISCLAIMER

All information stated in this blog are for your personal education, and not to replace the advice of your healthcare provider.