Show #372 Airing Sunday, 1/28/07
I’ll be with you in a minute. I know I put my keys down somewhere. Oh here they are. Okay now, where was I. Oh yea. Memory loss, we all experience it from time to time. But is there anything we can do to cut down on those senior moments? Luckily, the answer is yes. And today, we’re going to learn how, thanks to our “memorable” guest Kathryn Kilpatrick. She’s a speech and language pathologist, author, and memory fitness expert.
Question: Most of us have heard the phrase "senior moment" when someone is experiencing forgetfulness or memory loss. Are "senior moments" for real?
Answer: Normal aging does cause some changes. It may be more difficult to find the word you want to use, one may process information more slowly, or multitasking can become more difficult.
However, multitasking can cause memory loss in people of all ages, and you frequently hear young people use the phrase "senior moment" as well, and often flippantly. We really need to remove that negative term/energy and instead be proactive and do something about memory issues.
Question:Why aren't people more proactive about their memory loss?
Answer: Fear. However, there are over 100 reversible causes of memory loss.
If you are concerned about your memory, get a good physical. There are also changes you can make to your lifestyle that may help.
Question:You've made a list of some lifestyle choices that can help your memory. The first is to Live a Healthy Physical Lifestyle. What do you mean by that?
Answer: Eat right. What's good for your heart is good for your brain. Do not skip breakfast, and don't have all sugar for breakfast either.
Sleep well. Don't just take sleeping pills if you cannot. Get to the root of the problem.
Exercise regularly. You need to get oxygen to your brain.
Get your hearing checked! You'd be surprised how much "memory loss" is really due to not hearing what you "forgot."
Question:Next, Live a Healthy Mental Lifestyle.
Answer: Stress, multitasking, and being overly busy can adversely affect your memory. Many people simply don't remember because their attention was divided and they are feeling scatterbrained. This is often when younger people say they are experiencing "senior moments."
Those in the sandwich generation-caring for parents, caring for children, having job responsibilities of their own-are often prone to this kind of forgetfulness. Take a step back.
Question:Finally, Stay Challenged.
Answer: Continue to be curious and ask questions. My license plate, for example, is "To Wonder." If you stay curious, you never "get old."
If you are doing what you've always done, you're not challenging your brain, even if you are, for example, doing crossword puzzles to stay sharp. Try a new kind of puzzle, or teach someone a skill.
Recognize that challenging your brain will not work if you haven't addressed the other lifestyle issues that we've mentioned.
Question:Where can we learn more information?
Answer: There is more information at www.memoryfitnessmatters.com (330-592-1190) or you can find a more in-depth explanation of what we talked about today in my book "Walking the Path to Memory Fitness One Week at a Time."
You too can begin "Walking the Path to Memory Fitness One Week at a Time." We'll show you how next.
