As we grow older, we all start to notice some changes in our ability to remember things.

For example you have gone into your kitchen and can’t remember why, or can’t recall a familiar name during a conversation or you may even miss an appointment because it slipped your mind. But there is nothing to worry. These types of memory lapses can occur at any age and which is natural. But unfortunately we tend to get more upset by them as we get older. Because we fear that these types of memory lapses could be a sign of dementia, or loss of intellectual function. However if the memory loss is significant then that is cause for concern. Severe memory loss is not physiological in normal ageing process but it could be due to organic disorders, brain injury, or neurological illness, with Alzheimer’s being among the most severe. OK

Most of the small memory problems that we experience with age show some physiological changes in the structure and function of the brain. These changes can disturb certain processes involving memory, concentration and attention, making it difficult to learn new things quickly or screen out distractions that can interfere with memory and learning. Although these changes are slow but can at times become extremely frustrating and may not look benign when we need to learn new skills.  However after many years of research, scientists could devise various strategies to sharpen and protect our mind. Pls follow the below mentioned points and enjoy life.OK

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Keep learning

Scientists feel that a higher level of education results in better mental function in old age. If you are better educated then the learning process keeps your memory sharp all the time and you remain mentally active. If you keep on challenging you brain with mental exercise then brain cells will remain stimulated and they keep communicating with the entire net work of nerve cells. Even if you are not in a job that keeps challenging your brain, pursue a hobby or learn a new skill that can function the same way. Read; join a book group or play chess or bridge. You can write your life story; do crossword or jigsaw puzzles; take a class; pursue music or art; design a new garden layout.OK

Use all your senses

When you want to learn something, use all your senses and that will keep stimulating your brain cells and this way memory retention would be better. These are proven by many studies, however, in one study, adults were shown a series of emotionally neutral images, each one with a particular smell but they were not asked to remember what they saw. After sometime they were shown a set of images, this time without odors, and asked to indicate which they’d seen before. They had excellent recall for all the pictures which had a smell, and especially for those associated with pleasant smells. Therefore always try to guess the ingredients as you smell and taste a new restaurant dish. Give sculpting or ceramics a try, noticing the feel and smell of the materials you’re using. OK

Believe in yourself

Always think positive and any negative thinking about age contributes to a failing memory. It has been proven by scientific studies that middle aged and older people lean badly in memory and ageing tasks when they are exposed to negative stereotypes. But their performance improves significantly when the messages are positive about memory. Those people who believe that they have a very poor memory function are less likely to work at maintaining or improving their memory skills and therefore are more likely to experience cognitive decline. Therefore one has to believe in oneself and only then you can improve and you can translate that belief into practice and thus you have a better chance of keeping your mind sharp.OK

Economize your brain use

Your brain function should be preserved as much as possible. Do not try to remember your daughter’s birthday or where you have kept your car keys. Use calendars, planners, address books and maps to keep routine information accessible and better concentrate on learning new and interesting things.  All your daily routine items like newspaper, medicine box should be kept at a particular place. Your home and office should clean and all unnecessary items should be removed so that there is no distraction and you can concentrate only on important information that you would like to focus.  OK

Repeat what you want to know

Repeat it out loud or write it down if you want to remember something you have just heard and by doing this you are reinforcing the memory or your connection. For example, if you’ve just been told someone’s name, use it when you speak with him or her: So, Rakesh, where did you meet Nitesh? OK

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Memory enhancing herbs:

Ashwagandha:

This herb has a calming effect on the brain. This herb is known to reduce anxiety and restlessness. It is also known to reduce both acute and chronic stress. This plant has been used for many years to improve both mental and physical health.  Ashwagandha has also been found to have antidepressant action.

Gotukola:

Gotu kola improves short and long time memory. It also increases mental concentration and attention

Brahmi:

Brahmi is known to promote memory and reduce anxiety. It also helps in attention deficit disorder in both children and in elderly people

Sankhpushpi:

This plant is known for it’s calming effect on brain. It rejuvenates the nervous system and helps in learning and memory. It helps only in consolidation and attention but also helps in memory recall.

Memomet tablets and syrup: Benefits: Memomet is a unique brain support natural formula with the triple advantage of all the three important brain herbs Brahmi,Gotukola  and Sankhpushpi. A double blind placebo controlled study clearly demonstrates the efficacy of Memomet a well research herbal product in the treatment of Hyperactivity, lack of concentration and poor memory in children. This behavioral disorder in children is of great concern for physicians because all the medicines in modern medicine have major side effects and affects growth and development of a child.

Direction for use: 1 tablet or 1 tablespoon twice daily or as directed by your physician

Side Effect: No side effect has been reported when used as per recommended dosage.  ALL OK