www.Ups tatePhys i c i ansSC . com | www.Hea l thL i nksUps tate. com | 13 TIPS TO GUARD AGAINST MEMORY LOSS While there is currently no foolproof way to guard against cognitive memory loss, Alzheimer’s and other forms of dementia, there are many simple ways to improve your chances of keeping these illnesses away – and your memory intact. “Food, for instance, is a huge contributor to keeping or losing our memory,” said Nita Leary, an integrative nutrition health coach in Greenville. “The right foods keep our brains as healthy as possible, and I recommend foods that are free of chemical pesticides.” Both Leary and Sara Perry, executive director with Respite Care Charleston, advise a diet rich in fruits and vegetables, lowfat proteins, limited sugar and minimal processed foods. Complementing this diet are eight healthy habits: “I’ve noticed in the past decade that younger people are beginning to become more concerned about what they eat – whereas kids born in the 1990s and before weren’t as aware,” Leary said. Perry added that while there is still no guarantee against memory loss, a healthy lifestyle can greatly reduce the risk. “The risk of dementia increases as we grow older,” she said. “But credible research has consistently pointed to some basic actions we should all take to keep our brain healthy and memory intact.” MEMORY LOSS, DISEASE AND AGING By the Numbers More than 55 MILLION people live with dementia worldwide. There are nearly 10 million new cases every year. – World Health Organization There are more than 54.1 MILLION seniors in the United States. Older adults are projected to outnumber children by 2034 for the first time in U.S. history. – U.S. Census Bureau More than 6 MILLION Americans of all ages suffer from Alzheimer’s.Barring the development of a cure or a medical breakthrough to prevent or slow the disease, this number is projected to grow to 12.7 MILLION by the year 2050 . – Alzheimer’s Association 7 COMMON CAUSES OF MEMORY LOSS • Medications • Minor head trauma or injury • Emotional disorders, such as stress, anxiety or depression • Alcoholism • Vitamin B12 deficiency • Brain tumors or infections • Sleep apnea – Mayo Clinic • Get plenty of sleep; • Don’t smoke; • Drink in moderation; • Stay mentally active; • Socialize and avoid isolation; • Minimize stress; • Exercise regularly as recommended by your doctor, based on your medical situation; • Manage chronic conditions like diabetes, high blood pressure and depression.
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