Experiencing cognitive changes as you age is totally normal. Recalling words, such as remembering people’s names, titles of books or movies, is usually the first thing to slip. They come back to you, but it takes longer than it used to. This is more frustrating for you than for anyone else, but it’s not a sign your mind is going; it is only slowing down.
Still, we would all like to stay sharp, even as we age. Unfortunately, there are no certain remedies for keeping your synapses going fast, but there are a few things that might help slow the process. So far, the most likely way to keep your brain functioning at its best is being physically active. Observational studies have shown that people who engage in aerobic exercise several times a week show noticeable improvements in their brain function, especially in their ability to switch quickly between tasks.
Of course, exercise also works to prevent cognitive loss by decreasing high blood pressure, high cholesterol, risk of cardiovascular disease, diabetes, and obesity, which are all known risk factors for developing dementia. When your arteries are clogged, blood flow is reduced to your brain, putting you at risk for dementia. Neurologists are also working on developing mental workouts that people can implement into daily life.
Do not believe all the ads you might have seen or will likely come across advertising some miracle substance for keeping your memory sharp. Neurologists have found no concrete evidence to support these claims. Actually, estrogen and anti-inflammatory drugs that were once touted as good for slowing memory loss have been found to be more harmful than beneficial. Vitamin B tablets did help people with high blood levels of homocysteine, an amino acid that is linked to heart disease risk, but did not help people who already had healthy levels of the amino acid.
Read the entire article here: Memory worries? Don’t bother with vitamins and supplements. Just get some exercise.
