As we grow older, we become more aware of the changes in our brains and may be concerned about changes in our memory. I am going to talk about things that can help us keep our brain healthy as well as changes that are normal versus changes that are not so normal.
How does typical aging affect your brain?
- Attention – we may find that it Is harder to pay attention as we age. Especially if we are trying to multi-task. Learning someone’s name and at once forgetting it. While we may feel that this is concerning, it is normal aging.
- Processing speed – as we age, we notice that our processing speed slows down. We may need more time to solve problems or learn new things. The neurons in our brains are firing slower than they did when we were younger. Again, this is normal aging.
- Memory – working memory is the area of the memory where many seniors have some difficulty. Hearing something such as a door code and remembering it long enough to use it is an example. Recently I received a code and remembered it long enough to go in the door but then forgot it when I needed it again thirty minutes later.
- Language – word retrieval is something that can change as we age. This is also a part of normal aging.
- Most people who have normal brain aging can manage daily tasks with little help.
Brain aging that is not normal aging
- Short-term memory issues- the inability to remember recent events or recognize items can be a sign that there is something more going on.
- Language and speech difficulties – not being able to recall words for places, people and items can be a concern especially if these are familiar.
- Loss of interest in things that you once loved to do.
- Slower thinking with added confusion.
- Changes in personality can also indicate that abnormal aging is happening.
- The need for more assistance with daily tasks can be a sign that someone’s brain is not aging normally.
Healthy Brain Habits
- Daily exercise (at least 30 minutes)
- Mental stimulation – examples are crossword puzzles, Sudoku, jigsaw puzzles, chess, bridge. Learn a new language.
- Diet – many doctors recommend the Mediterranean diet which has a lot of leafy greens, fatty fish and omega-3’s and berries.
- Stay social – isolation can contribute to mental decline.
- Sleep well – 7 to 8 hours is recommended.
- Reduce your stress
Common Misconceptions
Any memory loss equals dementia or Alzheimer’s Disease – everyone forgets occasionally. Memory issues associated with dementia are normally more than an occasional lapse.
All Dementia patients are the same – there is a saying I have heard and I do not know the source. It goes something like this “if you have met one person with Dementia, you have met one person with Dementia”. Meaning that they are not all the same and do not have the same symptoms. Many times, even people with the same type of Dementia are very different.
Please know that our team is Dementia Care Certified, and Ramona is also a Certified Senior Advisor. If we can assist you through the process of locating senior living or other resources, please reach out to us at assistedlivinglocators.com/midlands or email Ramona at ramonab@assistedlivinglocators.com. Her phone number is 803.319.4474 cell or 803.470.1011 x 700. Valerie Koeppen is at valeriek@assistedlivinglocators.com. Valerie’s cell number is 803.669.4299 or 803.470.1011 x 701.
Sources used: Mayo Clinic: Understanding Alzheimer’s Your Guide to Brain Health. Magazine reissue of a special edition August 2024.
