Tips on dealing with changes in memory

In my last two columns, I have been discussing memory changes that come with age. Although some memory changes occur simply due to the aging process, others develop because of factors that can be altered, thus improving the individual’s memory.

A common factor in memory changes is the influence of certain medications on memory. In general, medications that produce drowsiness and affect the central nervous system can induce memory problems.

Depression and anxiety often contribute to short-term memory problems, as do sleep difficulties.

Attitude, itself, can cause memory problems. Those who believer they are going to have problems with memory as they get older, tend to experience more difficulties.

Simply having a lot of things to remember and becoming overloaded with too many details can cause difficulty.

Sensory losses, including vision and hearing deficits, create information intake problems that can adversely affect memory.

Distraction and feeling something is not important enough to remember, thereby reducing motivation, also affect memory.

For those wishing to reduce the risk of memory loss and develop helpful techniques for remembering, the following suggestions may be useful:

• Don’t be ashamed to use memory aids. Consistency is one of the great and relatively simple ways to reduce problems with memory. Put your keys in the same place every time, hang your glasses around your neck when they are not on your head.

Other memory aids include keeping lists, making schedules, using tape recorders and other forms of reminders.

• Stay more focused on important things. In other words, pay attention. Many memory problems result from day-dreaming or letting the mind wander when important facts or situations need to be attended to.
• When trying to remember names, use associations, repetition and review for assistance.
• Some researchers believe that exercise and a healthy cardiovascular system can improve the individual’s ability to remember.
• Use placement to trigger your memory. Put your car keys in your umbrella or raincoat when entering a meeting so you can’t restart your car without remembering the umbrella.
• Minimize consequences of age-related changes. For example, the ability to comprehend rapidly presented information may decline with age. This would include receiving rapid telephone directions, viewing rapidly shifting television programs, etc. Switch to other forms of presentation such as a fax machine and a newspaper or magazine to alleviate these problems.

Remember, age-related memory changes vary from individual to individual and are often changes that affect our daily lives in minimal ways.