Tips for keeping your memory sharp
 As
yet, there is no prevention or cure for dementia. However,
here are a few tips for keeping your brain fit and memory
sharp:
• Avoid harmful
substances. Excessive drinking and drug abuse
damages brain cells
• Challenge yourself.
Reading widely, keeping mentally active and learning new
skills strengthens brain connections and promotes new ones
• Trust yourself
more. If people feel they have control over their
lives, their brain chemistry actually improves
• Relax.
Tension may prolong a memory loss
• Make sure you get
regular and adequate
sleep
• Eat a well
balanced diet
• Pay attention.
Concentrate on what you want to remember
• Minimise and
resist distractions
• Use a notepad
and carry a calendar. This may not keep your memory
sharp, but does compensate for any memory lapses
• Take your time
• Organise
belongings. Use a special place for
unforgettables such as car keys and glasses
• Repeat names
of new acquaintances in conversation
Normal memory loss & that of a person with dementia
|
Description |
Person
with dementia |
Older
person |
|
Events |
May forget part or all of an
event |
Memory may sometimes be vague |
|
Words or names
for things or objects |
Progressively forgets |
Sometimes may forget.
Words or names are on
the 'tip of the tongue' |
|
Written and verbal
directions |
Increasingly unable to
follow |
Able to follow |
|
Stories on TV, in
movies or books |
Progressively loses
ability to follow |
Able to follow |
|
Stored knowledge |
Over time loses
known information such as historical or
political information |
Although recall may
be slower, information is essentially retained |
|
Everyday skills such
as dressing and cooking |
Progressively loses capacity to
perform tasks |
Retains ability,
unless physically impaired |
Further information - phone the National Dementia Helpline
on 1800 100 500 (freecall) or visit
www.alzheimers.org.au
|
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