Memory loss is a concern for everyone, as we get older. Forgetfulness can become apparent as early as age forty. We put our keys down, and when we need them we can’t recall where we put them. This memory lapse occurs to almost every individual on the planet, and as we advance in years it will further intensify.
The brain is a complex organ, and has
undergone, and is undergoing a vast amount of research over a great many
years. It is a mysterious organ, and there are many of its’ abilities and
secrets that have yet to be unlocked. The brain is affected both favorably
and unfavorably by a great many factors.
These are forces that impact the
brain, internally and externally. These negative forces are constantly
bombarding us on a daily basis. Externally there are environmental problems
with which we have to contend with, such as the pollution in the air we
breathe. Firefighters are exposed to such problems even more than the
average individual. This can also be a serious factor for those that handle
chemicals in their work place, and breathe in fumes emitted by these
chemicals. Within the home we are exposed to chemical fumes as well. There
are many items in the home that impact our health and can affect the brain
over a long period of time. These are fumes that are emitted from carpeting,
drapes, the clothes we wear that been chemically treated, and even the
clothes that come from the dry cleaners. There are those chemicals in the
detergents with which we wash our clothes. We can live in a home that is
built on land that has been contaminated by chemicals that have previously
been dumped on or near the site. Radon can be entering our homes without the
knowledge of its occupants and the list can go on and on.
Internal factors that can affect the brain are enormous in number. It is a difficult task to pick those that can have the greatest impact on the brain. The first and foremost would be a congenital defect in the genes or the brain itself. Huntington’s is an inherited disease that seriously affects the brain. Other disorders that can be a factor in brain dysfunction would be due to hormonal problems such as an over production or under production of a particular hormone. This can be caused by the pituitary, thyroid, para-thyroid and adrenal glands. Diet too, plays a most important role in normal brain function. What enters or body through the alimentary tract determines what is absorbed by our body and can find its way to the brain.
A diet that is high in fats and trans-fats can cause a high cholesterol count in the blood. A diet high in sugars and carbohydrates can result in a high triglyceride content, and can also be the cause of diabetes. These results can have an impact on the brain as well. Other than the types of foods eaten, we have to contend with the content of the foods and the chemicals that are used to prepare them, especially when we eat the manufactured variety. That is why we must become acquainted with how to read the labels on these prepared foods. Also extremely important are the prescription medications, the over the counter medicines and the supplements we ingest, especially of the herbal variety. This recalls the old adage, “We are what we eat”.
Therefore is it any wonder, that as we grow older, and we are bombarded with all the above-mentioned factors that can and will impact the brain, we encounter a loss of brainpower or acuity. Forgetting where we left something, or walking into a room or opening a cabinet to get something, and not remembering what it was, can start you wondering. Are you in the first stages of dementia or Alzheimer’s? The chances are most likely that it is neither. As we age, starting around age 35 or 40, we can lose one percent of brain cells. To prevent this occurrence we must consider the brain as we would a muscle. Again, I use another old adage, “Use it or lose it”. Like a muscle, the brain has to be challenged, just, as muscles have to be exercised; the brain needs to be exercised. Reading, doing crossword puzzles, working on your computer are excellent ways to keep your brain functioning in a normal manner. Socializing, and doing community projects are wonderful ways of keeping the brain up to speed. In addition, you need to control your stress. Try to avoid any stressful situations whenever it is possible. Set aside part of your day as a quite time. Think of being on vacation at some beautiful resort and basking on a sandy beach or mountain retreat with beautiful running brooks and scenery. Do deep breathing exercises. Get restful nights sleep in a cool, dark environment, on comfortable bedding. And finally, visit your healthcare provider yearly, and your dentist twice yearly for check-ups. Following the aforementioned regime can see you through the senior years, living a vigorous and happily normal lifestyle.