Why wait, Don’t Tell Me: Boosting Memory for Midlife Women

Everyone has a lost memory. We turn off the name of our longtime neighbor, or forget the cake in the oven until the smoke detector goes off. But forgetfulness during life is very common: Studies show that one to two-thirds of people 50 years of age and older change notification memory. There are many reasons for this as there are steps to fix it. Memory has three stages: learning, integrating, and remembering. If you are invited to a 50-year-old friend's surprise party, for example, you should first learn the four W's: where, when, what to wear, and who to deliver. Next, party details need to be stored in your memory, or compiled. Finally, when the time comes, your mind needs to remember you. This sounds easy, but many factors influence whether you go to that party. Reading: It is possible to read information from the beginning if you pay close attention. But women do a lot of things, and as we listen we may also load the dishwasher and chase the dog out of the cat food. As we get older, distractions can get in the way, which can interfere with our first reading. Consolidation: Next, your brain is more likely to retain memory if it is related to long-term memory you already have, such as attending the same birthday party for the same 40-year-old friend. In addition, research shows that good sleep is essential for memory, and for many middle-aged women, sleep deprivation does not. Remember: Now your mind needs to retrieve this information. The implication is that each memory is stored in the brain as a unique pattern of nerve cells, but similar memories have slightly different patterns. So you try to remember the name of the restaurant where the event was held, but what comes to mind is the burger joint you went to last weekend. This restricts the information you need and leads to the feeling that it is "in the title of my language". How can you increase the likelihood that you will miss your friend's party, and give your memory a general boost? Try the following: 1. Get enough sleep. A study conducted at the University of Pennsylvania School of Medicine found that memorization skills were significantly better for people who slept eight hours a night. Those who slept only four or six hours a night did worse as a group who stayed awake for three days. 2. Exercise. Another reason to work is that physical fitness and mental strength go hand in hand. MacArthur Foundation research has shown that exercise increases the chemical that nourishes nerve cells in the brain. Exercise reduces the risk of high blood pressure and other diseases that can cause memory loss. 3. Reduce stress. When we are stressed, our bodies overflow with cortisol, the same hormone released during childbirth and childbirth that allows us to forget the pain of childbirth — something good under those circumstances, but worse when we try to get the car keys. 4. Eat healthy. The same nutritious foods appear to be good for the brain, some rich in fruits and vegetables, whole grains, healthy fish and nuts, and low saturated fats (found in meat and dairy products) and trans fats (commonly used in processed foods). 5. Avoid doing many things. A new study by the University of Michigan shows that it takes more time and effort for the brain to move from one job to another than it would be possible to do one job at a time. 6. Keep reading. Scientists believe that giving your brain a run for its money and activity — class, learning, hobbies — stimulates communication between brain cells that help strengthen memory. Making a few changes to a healthy lifestyle can reduce the forgetfulness of middle-aged women. Try it, and help restore the edge to your mind and memory.