If you’ve been having trouble remembering things lately, welcome to the club. Many women experience minor memory and concentration problems at they age. Most experts attribute it to normal aging, which can cause changes in our brains that make it harder to recall stored information. And there’s sleep deprivation, fatigue, hot flashes, and other side effects that can affect our ability to think clearly.
Declining estrogen levels may be a factor as well. Estrogen receptors are present in several regions of our brain, including those involved in memory. When activated by estrogen, those receptors stimulate processes that are beneficial to the brain, including those involved in memory. When estrogen levels wane, fuzzy thinking, trouble finding words, and difficulty remembering simple tasks can result.
Understandably, some women worry that these memory lapses are an early sign of Alzheimer’s, so try not to worry.
The good news is that regular exercise and healthy eating are some of the best ways to keep your mind sharp. When you exercise, you increase the flow of blood, oxygen, and nutrients to your body. Exercise also helps reduce the emotional stress that can cloud your head. Some women shared they have their best and clearest thoughts when they are walking or dancing or jogging. Try to discover health benefits of walking and the joy of exercise – it may change your life for the better in a most wonderful way!
A wholesome diet filled with nutrients is also crucial for clear thinking and a healthy brain. Certain foods, such as blueberries and the omega-3 fatty acids found in fish, have been shown to have positive effect on memory.
Our memory care homes are designed to meet the needs of our residents. We’re here to help. Please call us to learn more about our services.