As your loved one ages, their brain may become less quick-witted, but it still maintains the ability to create new cells and neural connections. Taking advantage of this by helping them complete specific mental activities will help to minimize memory loss and keep their cognitive ability sharp. Here are a few habits you can start implementing into your senior's daily routine to give their mind a boost.

What Are Some Ways Seniors Can Combat Memory Loss?

1. Learn a New Skill

The engagement required for learning a new demanding skill, such as playing an instrument or speaking a different language, activates working and episodic memory. While working memory is the part of short-term memory associated with immediate reasoning and decision-making, episodic memory involves conscious recollection of experiences. When these brain areas are continuously activated in older adults over a prolonged period of at least three months, it improves cognitive function.

2. Eat Healthier

What your loved one eats will impact their brain. Excessive sugar and processed foods are more likely to cause inflammation, high blood sugar, and high blood pressure, which have been shown to play a significant role in causing Alzheimer's.

While no single food will boost their memory prowess, a healthy diet filled with a mix of fruits, vegetables, legumes, and whole grains provides a rich source of complex carbohydrates, proteins, vitamins, minerals, and fiber. These nutrients help to slow cognitive decline by decreasing inflammation, slowing sugar absorption, and preventing overeating. All of which can lead to chronic health conditions, like diabetes, cardiovascular disease, and cancer, that potentially play a role in mental decline.  

3. Get Regular Exercise

The hippocampus—the area of the brain responsible for learning and memory—starts to shrink in aging adults. This can lead to forgetfulness, memory loss, and an increased risk of dementia. Moderate aerobic exercise, like brisk walking, for 40 minutes each day has been shown to combat this shrinkage and help the area grow.

At least 30 minutes of moderate aerobic exercise also helps seniors fall asleep faster by decompressing and calming the mind. Additionally, it improves sleep quality by increasing the amount of slow-wave sleep the body gets. This cycle of deep sleep allows the body and brain to rejuvenate and any memories that were made during the day are consolidated and stored for easier recall in the future.

If your loved one is suffering from memory loss, dementia, or Alzheimer’s, Memory Care Home Solutions in St. Louis, MO, can equip you with the tools and training to effectively care for them. For nearly two decades, this organization has provided free, individualized caregiving training to families in Saint Louis and St. Claire County, as well as Madison County, IL. Call them at (314) 645-6247 to schedule a consultation, and visit their website to learn more about their services.