Memory Enhancement

Memory Enhancement

Joanne K. Singleton, PhD, RN, CS, FNP
http://www.ec-online.net/Knowledge/Articles/memoryenhancement.html (Links to an external site.)

Throughout life there are occasions when memory fails us, but undaunted we continue on. Anyone for example who has, or knows children is well aware that they forget things on a regular basis. Parents often ask, “Where did you leave your mittens?” “Why didn’t you bring home the books you need to do your homework?” “When were you told to be home?” The universal reply from children, punctuated in their unique ways is, “I forgot.”

Forgetting doesn’t seem to phase children, adolescents or young adults in the least. The same is true for adults until some point in time when they cannot recall on demand the name of someone, some place, or something so familiar to them that they begin to worry about the state of their memory. “Senior-moment” is a popular socially acceptable phrase, used particularly among aging baby boomers, when one experiences public memory failure. While some make the appearance of taking memory failure lightly, covering it up with this catchy phrase, others publicly show their frustrations and concerns. Regardless of how one responds in public there is a great deal of anxiety about forgetfulness. With forgetfulness is the fear that it is an early sign of Alzheimer’s Disease or another form of dementia. This anxiety and fear may be particularly acute for caregivers whose parent or parents have been diagnosed with Alzheimer’s Disease.

Alzheimer’s Disease is not a condition of normal aging, in fact the risk of developing Alzheimer’s Disease decreases after the age of 90. Four million Americans are currently affected by Alzheimer’s Disease. Risk factors include age; genes/heredity; gender; ethnicity; and low intellectual ability in complex thinking and expression. Women in general are at greater risk than men of developing Alzheimer’s Disease. The risk for African Americans is four times higher, and for Latino’s it is twice as high as that of Caucasians. There is a 1.5 times greater risk of developing Alzheimer’s Disease when one parent has the disease, but when two parents have the disease that risk increases to 5 times the average risk. When it comes to memory problems, a cardinal rule is: If you are concerned about memory problems you should be evaluated by their health care provider.

What is Memory?

Memory is a process of retaining, storing and recalling experiences, and it is closely associated with learning. Thought learning, knowledge is acquired, and through memory this knowledge is made available. There are different types of memory, temporary or short term, which is stored for a very short period of time in the brain- a millisecond to a few minutes, and permanent or long term, which is more lasting. Short term memory can become long term through focused attention, associated ideas, and repetition. There are also two categories of memory. Declarative memory is what we use to remember facts and events, such as your phone number, or anniversary. Procedural memory is what comes into play for procedures and abilities, such as riding a bicycle, driving a car, or tying your shoes.

Is forgetfulness or memory failure a normal part of aging?

There are only a few cognitive changes that accompany aging. With aging the speed with which auditory, visual, and sensory information is processed decreases. Over time there is also a reduction in the intention to remember and recall on demand well known names, numbers or places. When no major diseases are present, memory and cognitive function can actually be improved in old age.

How can memory be enhanced with aging?

Memory enhancement is comprised of many things and must be personalized. It requires keeping the mind active and providing the brain and the body with the exercise and supports needed for optimal functioning. It must being with acknowledging to yourself why you want to enhance your memory. To being any activities to promote healthy aging you need to be sufficiently motivated to be able to begin and sustain the changes you are making. No matter how simple the activities may seem, change does not occur without conscious intent. Conscious intent requires continuous reinforcement, as it takes at least three weeks to change or add a new behavior.

It is generally better to focus on one change at a time. Not only does this allow you to incorporate it into your activity pattern, it also allows you to see how you are responding to it. Trying to implement too many changes at the same time is not realistic and most often is doomed for failure. When we are not successful with implementing a change it can impact how we feel about our selves. When embarking on behavioral changes it’s important to remember to be realistic and to be kind to yourself. Think about which one of the several changes you would like to make will have the greatest positive impact for you. Start there and work toward your goa