4 tips for maintaining memory and reducing memory loss

New research shows that the brain can grow new neurons and stronger, more prolific connections between brain cells at any age — and all it takes is a little physical and mental exercise to make it happen. Until recently, the conventional wisdom said that memory glitches and fuzzy thinking couldn't be prevented — let alone fixed.

Fear, stereotypes, and new research 

Stereotypes would have you believe that memory loss is a part of growing old. In one survey of older people, it was ranked as the most-feared health problem — even ahead of cancer, heart disease, and diabetes. Scientists thought that brain cells simply died out, never to be replaced. And what's more frightening to envision than an old version of ourselves, physically healthy but with greatly diminished memories and mental skills?But today, the story is far more positive — and fascinating.

Here are a few reasons for some R & R:

• Extra pounds dimmed brain power (Toulouse University Hospital and the National Institute of Health and Medical Research in France).
• Lower BMI  revealed  better brain health

Researchers checked the body mass index (BMI) and thinking skills of 2,223 women and men, ages 32 to 62, twice over five years. People with high BMIs scored lower on memory tests and had bigger mental declines from the beginning until the end of the study. The cause could be reduced blood flow to the brain.

• Concentration and memory fade when you are tired

Your brain needs sleep in order to organize and store information in memory so that you can retrieve and use it again, studies show. If you're tired during the day, it will be even more difficult to concentrate and remember important things.

• Best time to do it: mid-afternoon,when natural body rhythms are likely making you feel like taking a break.
• Try 10 minutes of yoga, a cup of herbal tea and a good book, a leisurely stroll with a friend or some hands-on time with your favorite hobby.

Relaxation can lower levels of the stress hormone cortisol; unchecked, it can damage a brain area called the hippocampus, which is involved with processing information and storing memories. Cortisol can damage the hippocampus if the stress is unrelieved.

• Spend time with family and friends
• Volunteer
•  Join a group helps stimulate your memory, concentration, and mental processing.

One study showed that regular socializing cut dementia risk by 42 percent. When researchers from Chicago's Rush University Medical Center delved into the brains of 89 Chicago-area residents who had been dementia-free, they found something surprising: they actually had the brain plaques and "tangles" associated with Alzheimer's disease, yet they had had no signs of memory loss or thinking problems. Having a strong social network, the researchers say, seems to strengthen brain pathways that protect thinking skills.