HONOLULU (HawaiiNewsNow) – As we age, it’s natural to notice changes in memory. Forgetting things here and there is common, but what is normal and what is not?
Dr. Marissa Sakoda, a neurologist at Straub Benioff Medical Center, joined Healthier Hawaii to explain the difference and what people can do to keep their minds sharp as they age.
Common Questions About Memory Loss
Sakoda said the questions she hears most often are: Is my memory loss a normal part of aging or something more serious? What is the difference between dementia and Alzheimer’s disease? What if dementia runs in my family, will I develop it?
Dementia is a general term for memory loss that affects daily functioning, she said. There are many types of dementia, and Alzheimer’s disease is the most common form.
“There is currently no cure for Alzheimer’s disease, but treatments can slow progression,” Sakoda said.
Having a family history of dementia can increase your risk, but healthy lifestyle changes can help slow or reduce this risk.
Normal aging and warning signs
Sakoda said it’s very common as we age to notice short-term memory problems, like forgetting where you put your phone or keys, having trouble finding the right word, or forgetting the names of people and places you don’t see often.
It’s normal, she said.
Of greater concern are memory problems that affect easy, everyday tasks, such as:
- Getting lost while driving to a familiar place
- Difficulty managing finances and paying bills on time
- Difficulty doing things around the house, such as cooking and cleaning
These signs may suggest an underlying neurodegenerative disease, Sakoda said.
What to do if you notice serious symptoms
Talk with your primary care doctor, Sakoda said.
“Your doctor can perform an initial screening, memory assessment, and other tests. He or she can also check to make sure memory problems aren’t caused by other factors, such as medications, vitamin B12 deficiency, or thyroid disease,” Sakoda added.
Depending on the results, you may be referred to a neurologist.
How to keep your brain healthy
There are lifestyle changes people can make — early or even later in life — to support brain health, Sakoda said.
What’s good for the heart is good for the brain, she said, because the brain depends on healthy blood flow.
Its recommendations include:
Exercise: Aim for 30 to 40 minutes a day, three to four times a week, or 150 minutes total per week, of moderate to vigorous exercise.
Eat healthy: A Mediterranean-style diet can contribute to healthy aging and brain health. Limit red meat, fatty and processed foods, foods high in sugar, and alcohol consumption.
Prioritize sleep: It’s not just about the number of hours you spend, but also the quality of sleep, Sakoda said. Undiagnosed or untreated sleep apnea can increase the risk of cognitive decline.
Stay socially engaged: Connect with others, especially in person if possible.
Are memory games useful?
Sakoda said there are no studies proving that certain memory games, like crosswords and sudoku, are best for brain health.
The important thing is to find activities you enjoy, she says. This will keep your brain busy throughout the day and prevent you from spending too much time in front of a screen.
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