Improve your memory

Cynthia Lopinto Feature Article Leave a comment 2,221 Views

By CYN LoPINTO
Editor-in-chief, gerontologist

Stereotype suggests that as we get older our memory drastically declines. That belief, like many stereotypes, is a false one. “Senility” is really an outdated term for dementia, which is mistakenly used to describe age-related changes in memory. Dementia is defined as deterioration in intellectual performance that includes memory loss resulting in severe cognitive functioning. It is a symptom of something that is wrong and not a part of normal aging. Alzheimer’s disease is a specific illness in which dementia is present. Some other causes of dementia are Parkinson’s disease, Huntington’s disease, stroke, Multiple Sclerosis, liver and kidney disease, brain tumors and some types of heart disease. Vitamin deficiency, alcoholism and depression can also result in dementia.

However, there are some changes in memory as we age. It takes longer to encode, store and retrieve information, meaning more time for learning. There is a greater need for repetition for new information too. There is some decline in long-term memory, but short-term memory shows little change. Creativity and the ability to learn is possible throughout one’s entire life. There are ways for all of us to improve our memory and sharpen our skills. Take a look at the following strategies and ideas to help strengthen your memory.

Repetition
Like your mother used to say, “practice, practice, practice.” This is the key to help with memory. For example if remembering names is a problem, the next time you meet someone say their name aloud a few times or write it down. If you are always loosing your keys, hang up a hook by the door and always put them there. Do it over and over again. If you can’t ever find your eyeglasses, buy an eyeglass chain to wear around your neck and keep them on that at all times. If you want to make sure to remember appointments, keep a calendar handy and look at it every morning. Repeat these tasks without deviating from your routine.

Concentration
Many times, we don’t remember things because we aren’t paying attention. Get rid of all distractions when learning something new. Organize yourself so that your mind will stick with what you want to do. If you have a lot of things to get done, sit down and make a list, crossing off things as they are completed. If you are forgetting to pay bills on time, set up a folder and organize it weekly or monthly and handle it only then. Organization definitely relieves stress and lets you concentrate more. If you have a problem remembering what you read, you can try a trick many students use. Turn the headline of a newspaper article into a question. When you are trying to find the answer to something, you will concentrate automatically and memory will improve.

Association
By putting things together, you’ll forget less. Do you have trouble remembering to put the garbage out on Monday nights? Try associating garbage night with a TV show you watch that evening to help you. If you forget to take your last pill before bedtime, associate brushing your teeth with taking your medication. Since you always brush your teeth before bed, you won’t forget your pill. You can also use this method for remembering someone’s name when you first meet them. For example, if you meet “Harry” and he is bald, think of the word “hairy” and put them together. This type of association can get pretty funny at times.

If you work on your memory skills, treating it as an ongoing activity, you will see some real improvement. It is like everything else that is important in life. You have to work at it. The more you focus on organization, practice and discipline, the better results you will get.

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Cynthia Lopinto

Cyn LoPinto, M.A. is a gerontologist focusing on significant issues affecting older adults and their families. Her areas of interest include lifestyle enrichment, family dynamics, and caregiver support. Cyn has worked in both the recreational and healthcare industries.