Is Memory Loss a Part of Normal Aging?Healthy eating habits, cooking tips, and restaurant reviews

Since we’re all over 50, we’re probably not strangers to the topic of memory loss, and may even be experiencing it to a minor degree ourselves. Like walking into a room and forgetting why we’re there. We’ve all done that.
 
So what’s“ normal” when it comes to age-related memory loss?  What can we do to “beef up”our aging brains?  This is a hot topic for seniors now, and here’s some of the good news:
 
For most people, occasional lapses in memory are part of the normal aging process, not a warning sign of serious mental deterioration like the onset of dementia. And there’s more good news -- since the brain is capable of producing new brain cells at any age, significant memory loss is not an inevitable result of aging.
 
In fact, memory lapses can be normal among older adults, and generally are not considered warning signs of dementia. They do indicate an age-related slowdown of the memory’s information-processing functions, which include the short-term memory you need to find your glasses, and the search and retrieval functions needed to recall names.
 
The Alzheimer's Association has even compiled a reassuring listing of “normal forgetting,” so don’t worry if any of the situations below seem familiar to you:
 
Walking into a room and forgetting why you entered.
 
Misplacing (then finding) things, such as keys, your glasses or the TV remote.
 
Having trouble remembering the details of a conversation.
 
Forgetting names or appointments, but remembering them later.
 
Becoming easily distracted.
 
Having trouble finding the right word and/or not quite being able to retrieve information that’s “on the tip of your tongue.”
 
It’s reassuring to know that age-related memory loss and lapses are usually not disabling. But if  you or a family member experiences memory loss that becomes so pervasive and severe that it’s disrupting work, hobbies, social activities, and family relationships, it’s time to seek medical attention.
 
Even now, research studies are pointing the way to better brain health as we age, like the discovery that even moderate exercise has benefits for older adult brains.  And as research continues, experts are discovering many ways to improve our cognitive skills, prevent memory loss, and protect our grey cells, so we may experience a very different old age from our grandparents.
 
       Information Sources:  www.HelpGuide.org and www.alz.org