In studies of almost 50,000 people, carried out in the United States, researchers discovered that Short-term memory reaches its peak around age 25. But, after the age of 50, the area of the brain responsible for recovering these memories is less efficient.
It is normal to wonder if memory worsens with age, and it is not an irrational concern; in the same study it was estimated that some 5.8 million Americans suffer from senile dementia. The condition is characterized by a significant loss of cognitive functions, and the biggest risk factor is aging.
However, some age-related memory lapses are not a cause for concern. Mario Mendez, director of behavioral neurology David Geffen School of Medicine at the University of California, Los Angeles, He indicated: “This does not mean that we have a dysfunction. If you have a hard time remembering that movie starring that guy, the memory is usually there, it just takes longer to surface. And suddenly, five minutes later, you remember.”
The New York Times conducted a report interviewing various researchers specializing in memory lapses. “Forgetting your car keys or someone’s name is often considered a brain failure, but it is not,” he noted. Ronald Davis, professor of neuroscience at the Herbert Wertheim Scripps Institute for Biomedical Innovation and Technology at the University of Florida and added: “We are overwhelmed with information and the brain has to manage memories. Forgetting is a normal part of brain function.”
In this regard, experts recommend changing some lifestyle habits. Fesharaki-Zadehassociate professor of neurology and psychiatry at Yale School of Medicine, suggested: “You have to limit doing several things at the same time. “It’s not good for overall brain health, but as we get older, our ability to do this tends to decline.” “Be careful with stress, which directly influences memory. Several studies link lack of sleep with memory deficits and diet also influences,” explained the professional.
On the other hand, there are habits that have been shown to be related to the improvement of cognitive skills in adulthood. According to specialists, half an hour daily of cardiovascular exercise It can generate new neurons in the hippocampal area of the brain, which is essential for memory consolidation. Good rest and being able to sleep well are essential to establish improvement.
But there are circumstances in which it is advisable to consult a doctor. When the forgetfulness has changed significantly, it could be a symptom of something more serious. Early signs of dementia, according to the Alzheimer’s Association of America, include loss of ability to remember sequences of events, problems judging distances, and an increasing need to take notesor alerts on cell phones, for matters that were previously very easy to remember.
by RN
Image gallery
