According to neuroscientist Richard Restak, MD, clinical professor at The George Washington University Hospital for Medicine and Health, preventing memory decline is possible. He teaches how to do this with his new book, The Complete Guide to Memory: The Science of Empowering the Mind.
see also: Error detection challenges help exercise the brain
In the book in question, Restak provides tools for doing memory-stimulating exercises, and explains how sleeping and eating habits affect this sense.
The book is the result of years of study in clinical care in the clinic. The doctor points out that there are 3 divisions of memory, working memory, immediate memory, and long-term memory, but they focus on solving everyday problems related to working memory. For Restak, there are “sins” that can lead to amnesia.
How to enhance memory
BE IN ATTENTION
For a neuroscientist, small lapses in memory should not be associated with cognitive decline, but with a problem with attention deficit. To solve this problem, one must strive to introduce new information into the mind, that is, to learn new things.
Challenge yourself for memory daily
The brain always needs practice with challenges that exercise memory. An example suggested in the book is not to go back to the shopping list when entering the supermarket. It imposes a memory of what is written in the list. Another example is driving without using GPS. According to a small study, people who use the Global Positioning System (GPS) on a regular basis are more likely to have memory loss.
Make time for games
Suggesting game challenges such as chess or bridge helps working memory.
reading novels
According to Restak, failure to read novels is an indication of memory problems. Reading fiction involves the reader from the beginning to the end of the story. To understand the plot, it is necessary to recall the memory of previous pages.
Watch out for technology
While storing all possible information on a cell phone makes life easier, it also limits the use of memory capacity. According to the author, this is called “technological distortion”, where storing all the information on one device indicates that you don’t know anything, and over time this can cause cognitive decline.
Having a mental health professional next to you
Depression is a disease that can affect memory. Also, if your mood is low, your brain tends to remember sad events.
This is because the areas of the brain that manage emotions are directly related to the areas that work on memory.
Understand the cause of concern
Not all memory lapses indicate problems, it is normal to forget where you kept your car key, or to buy a certain item that you really need.
There is only cause for concern if the forgetfulness episodes are frequent and if you have forgotten the address where you live or the name of someone you are related to for a long time. In such cases, it is best to consult a doctor.
