Memory Loss
Memory loss is a reality for all of us as we grow older. Unfortunately, from the mid 20s brain function begins to decline. It becomes more noted though for some of us as we approach our early 50s. 
There are many ways we can slow this decline. Training your brain with new activities as we age can help keep the brain “supple”. We are never too old to learn something new. Learn a new language, take a new course, read more books, pick up a new hobby, or any new activity which forces us to use our brain will help fight memory loss as we grow older. Learning to relax also helps immensely because stress inhibits optimum brain functioning.
Healthy eating habits will also slow or prevent mental decline. Eat plenty of iron rich eggs, oily fish and legumes will help prevent memory loss due to anemia. Herbal teas such as lemon balm help the brain retain and retrieve information. Green and black teas are also known to help prevent the memory loss which occurs with aging. Peppermint tea helps promote alertness and concentration.
Cooking with purple sage in stews, sauces and roasts aids the brain and using Oil of rosemary as an aromatherapy helps because it is known the stimulate alertness and memory. Foods containing anti-oxidants such as spinach or blueberries have been shown in studies to reverse mental decline.
The following list of health supplements are also known to aid with memory loss:
• Ginkgo biloba – a brain tonic and improves blood circulation
• Co-Enzyme Q10
• Zinc
• Choline
• Vitamin B12
• Vitamin C
• Vitamin E
• Magnesium
• Folic Acid
• Huperzine A
• Omega 3 Fatty Acids
• Phosphatidylserine
To obtain the correct amounts of the health supplements you need, please see your naturopath or a doctor with experience in recommending health supplements to use in conjunction with your diet.
As we age, both men and women can obtain substantial benefits by supplementing with bioidentical hormones. Only a doctor experienced with dealing with the issue of aging and hormone loss will be able to prescribe what you need to take. Consult our doctors pages for either the United States or Canada for a doctor in your area.
As life changes for us, men and women can retain brain function and memory by acquiring fresh perspectives on life, remaining adaptable and keeping a resilient mind by retaining optimism. All of these qualities encourage immunity to the diseases of aging. Taking good care of your body’s health and your brain’s functioning can lead to a very fulfilling life ahead. If you feel you are having problems remembering things, make the above changes in your life to help you deal with issues of memory loss.
I never thought that brain function declines as early as in the mid 20s. Usually, people start to really care about their health when they reach their late 30s and somehow, that will not be enough anymore.
My parents are in their 50s and I would make sure that they eat these recommended food and make sure the necessary vitamins and minerals needed by them are always available.
Thanks for the information and wake up call.
I have learned from other sources that frequent reading helps to sharpen our minds, but we may not have all the time to extend in reading. But the facts given above are additional substances to prevent memory loss. For those who can afford the supplements and ample time to spend reading are the most fortunate to maintain sharp memory, but still others who don’t have much time should at least spend reading at least take 10 minutes each day and so exercises and look for alternatives in nutrition.
Among the list of supplements listed to enhance brain functioning – just a word of caution on supplements like GOTU Kola and Gingko: both are circulation enhancers and like the editorial suggests should be taken in the right dose in consultation with a naturopath, in particular when a person has high blood pressure issues. CoQ10 which is a heart strenghtener and an anti-aging coenzyme- has a “cheeper” counterpart -”Idebenone”- which has proved as effective and even more effective when there is already some lapse in oxygenation of the blood. Finally, when taking an Omega3 from fish oil, one should look for a high ration or yield of “DHA” in the product they buy (look on the ingredients listing on the back of the label) since DHA is the supplement that enhances and supports brain functioning (including the mood).
Thank you for the extra information for our readers on taking supplements. We always advise our readers to consult their doctors or naturopaths for exact dosages on supplements.