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Talk to anyone over a certain age and they will joke about senior moments — lapses in memory.
Underlying the humor is a fear of developing Alzheimer's disease or senile dementia. Their concern isn't unfounded, because nearly 5 percent of people aged 65 and older (and a much larger proportion over 80) do get Alzheimer's.
However, there is mounting evidence that memory lapses don't necessarily foreshadow dementia, and that doing mind aerobics can reduce the risk.
Here's a 10-step memory workout courtesy of AARP:
1. Exercise regularly: Studies have shown that aerobic fitness may reduce the loss of brain tissue common in aging.
2. Stick to a healthy diet: Avoid sugar and saturated fat. And eat lots of antioxidant-rich fruits and vegetables such as blueberries, spinach, and beets. The magnesium found in dark green, leafy vegetables appears to help maintain memory.
3. Learn new things: Mastering activities you've never done before, such as playing the piano or learning a foreign language, stimulates neuron activity.
4. Get enough sleep: Too little sleep impairs concentration.
5. Devise memory strategies: Make notes or underline key passages to help you remember what you've read. Invent mnemonics formulas to help you remember things.
6. Socialize: Conversation, especially positive, meaningful interaction, helps maintain brain function.
7. Get organized: Designate a place for important items such as keys and checkbooks. Keep checklists for things such as daily medications or items to pack when you travel.
8. Turn off the tube: Experts say too much TV watching weakens brain power.
9. Jot down new information: Writing helps transfer items from short, to long-term memory.
10. Solve brainteasers: Crossword puzzles, card games, and board games such as Scrabble improve your memory.
Underlying the humor is a fear of developing Alzheimer's disease or senile dementia. Their concern isn't unfounded, because nearly 5 percent of people aged 65 and older (and a much larger proportion over 80) do get Alzheimer's.
However, there is mounting evidence that memory lapses don't necessarily foreshadow dementia, and that doing mind aerobics can reduce the risk.
Here's a 10-step memory workout courtesy of AARP:
1. Exercise regularly: Studies have shown that aerobic fitness may reduce the loss of brain tissue common in aging.
2. Stick to a healthy diet: Avoid sugar and saturated fat. And eat lots of antioxidant-rich fruits and vegetables such as blueberries, spinach, and beets. The magnesium found in dark green, leafy vegetables appears to help maintain memory.
3. Learn new things: Mastering activities you've never done before, such as playing the piano or learning a foreign language, stimulates neuron activity.
4. Get enough sleep: Too little sleep impairs concentration.
5. Devise memory strategies: Make notes or underline key passages to help you remember what you've read. Invent mnemonics formulas to help you remember things.
6. Socialize: Conversation, especially positive, meaningful interaction, helps maintain brain function.
7. Get organized: Designate a place for important items such as keys and checkbooks. Keep checklists for things such as daily medications or items to pack when you travel.
8. Turn off the tube: Experts say too much TV watching weakens brain power.
9. Jot down new information: Writing helps transfer items from short, to long-term memory.
10. Solve brainteasers: Crossword puzzles, card games, and board games such as Scrabble improve your memory.
