Want some quick ways to easily reduce your risk for memory loss disorders and mental illnesses? Here are some quick lifestyle changes that you can make in order to salvage those brain cells!

Eat Plenty of Fish. By adding more fish products in your diet, whether it be tuna, salmon, or sardines, you will benefit from Omega 3 fatty acids, which are high in DHA. DHA is linked to stimulating brain cells and has been shown to reduce and improve memory loss over time.

Enjoy Musical Activities. Listening to music, or playing a musical instrument can help improve your memory retention. How? Music, especially classical music, can help with memory recall and storage. Research has shown that by listening to classical music, students tested better and higher on tests than those who didn’t listen to classical music.

Exercise. Exercise should be a part of anyone’s daily routine. Why? Because exercise allows more oxygen to the brain and help relieves–or eliminates–stress, which are two reasons one’s brain my experience memory loss and memory lapses. A good 30 minutes a day will help improve oxygen intake for the brain and relieve daily stress and negative energies.

Minimize Use of Drugs and Alcohol. Alcohol, when used excessively, has been shown to lead to confusion and memory lapses. Same with drugs–even over-the-counter medications. Some of the side effects of over-the-counter drugs can cause short-term memory loss, so it’s important to know how each medication you take effects your brain.

By taking good care of your body, you can help prevent memory loss from aging, and help fend off depression and other mental disorders that can cause memory lapses. It’s important to take good care of yourself, and preventing memory loss is definitely a benefit.

Alzheimer’s Disease, or AD, is often thought of when you hear of someone losing a large portion of their memory capabilities at an older age. Often misunderstood as simple memory loss due to aging, Alzheimer’s Disease generally effects older adults.

Alzheimer’s Disease is a progressive neurodegenerative disease that causes damage and impairment to the part of the memory’s system involved in retrieving past events or occurrences, called “episodic memory.” This disease does not happen overnight, and rears its ugly head gradually with mild forgetfulness and memory loss. Over time, Alzheimer’s Disease can cause extreme and severe memory loss, which can lead patients to forgetting everyday tasks like bathing or dressing, to forgetting memorable moments from their past.
In 2007, studies conducted by the Alzheimer’s Association estimated that some 5 million Americans are diagnosed with Alzheimer’s Disease, and it is estimated that by the year 2040, there will be a growth to some 80 million cases.

Considering Alzheimer’s Disease is still under research, and therapy and medical treatments for Alzheimer’s Disease are still being considered, it’s a good idea to know the signs and symptoms of Alzheimer’s Disease, and understand that the onset of Alzheimer’s Disease is gradual and not sudden. It can start as simple forgetfulness and turn into severe memory lapses over time.

If you or someone you love are experiencing symptoms of Alzheimer’s Disease, it’s strongly encouraged that they seek medical evaluation and treatment to slow the onset of the disease. There are many neurological tests that can be performed to effectively diagnose Alzheimer’s Disease.

Sometimes your brain needs outside help for proper memory function. This usually happens when you need to multitask or have a busy schedule. External aids are also useful for future tasks and when precise and accurate details are necessary.. External memory aids go together with good habits. You have to remember that you have written down something in order for these aids to be helpful. Below are some external strategies to help your memory.

Take notes. You need to take notes especially if you need to study them later. Note-taking is a study skill that helps you remember difficult information. You can simplify complicated information by outlining, summarizing, concept mapping or charting.

Make lists. To-do lists are the most extensive memory aid. They help organize and retain information. The act of “listing” is really the actual aid in “remembering”. Lists are there to tell yourself that you still have something to do.

Write memos. Writing memos to yourself brings attention to problems and how to solve them. You are informing yourself in a diplomatic way what needs to be done. This way, you will face the task with great responsibility and dignity.

Keep a Daily Planner. To help organize your busy schedule, a diary or a planner can help you remember appointments or events. Entering them on your calendar of activities makes sure that you won’t miss anything or mix up your schedule. Just make sure you write everything down, especially if you’re on a very tight schedule.

Place objects strategically. When you need to bring something important and you don’t want to forget it, put them somewhere you can’t possibly miss them.

Set an alarm. Alarming your watches or clocks reminds you of tasks you need to do or an appointment that you need to attend. Alarms are an excellent reminder, unless you hit the snooze button or forget why you’ve set the alarm in the first place.

Ask someone. If you can’t rely on your memory, ask someone to help you remember. Make sure that you choose a person who is reliable enough to do the job. But don’t always rely on another person because you’re just training yourself to forget.

Dates and times can be very elusive and many people tend to forget them frequently. It is a difficult task remembering all dates and times you’re supposed to attend such as your doctor’s appointment, an important meeting, or even your child’s day off in school. All you need is a few tips here and there, and you’ll never miss another date again.

Jot it down. Writing a list of future engagements will help you remember that you are supposed to be somewhere on a particular date. If you are invited to a party, commit it to memory and write it down. You can even go the extra mile and buy your host a present. You will not only make him happy, but you will be reminded that you are meant to be someplace for an event.

Pen and Paper. The good old-fashion note-taking tools will save you a lot of forgotten messages in a telephone conversation. Keep a pad of paper and pen near the phone so you’ll not miss any important information. Your phone is not the only thing that needs a handy pen and paper, but you yourself too. Have a small notebook and pen in your pocket always handy for unexpected use.

Mark it on a calendar. Calendars are there to inform you of dates, so use them to remind you of dates important to you. You can directly mark your calendars just as soon as you receive your appointment schedule. Write short notes on designated dates to remind you of their importance.

Plan it. Diaries or planners help you keep your schedule on the right track. You don’t really need a bulky planner, unless you need to have all those pages. A simple planner that has a calendar and space for notes is sufficient. What’s important is that it keeps your dates organized.

Use your cell phone. Take time to enter a short note in your mobile phone’s organizer for future use. You can also set an alarm in your phone’s calendar to remind you of an important appointment that includes the date, time and place.

Dates are insignificant if they don’t mean anything to you. But once they are associated with a person or an event, you can’t afford to miss them. Keep reminding yourself that somebody needs your presence and you need to be someplace important. Review your planner at least once each day and be conscious of personal matters.

Experts now know that while some specific parts of memory may decline with age, overall memory remains strong at least through the 70’s. Research has shown that the average 70-year-old performs as well on many memory tests as 30 percent of 20-year-olds. And many older folks in their 60s and 70s score significantly better in verbal intelligence than young people.

As a person ages, memory function begins to slow, affecting different types of memory in different ways. Many of the reasons for this age-related memory loss are reversible – depression, medications, poor diet, thyroid deficiency, or substance abuse.

Age can make a person’s memory less effective, but this is generally the result of disuse rather than disease. By running through some daily mental drills – sort of like practicing scales on a piano – a person can prevent intellectual breakdown. Physical exercise too, can help with improving and stimulating memory function.

Stimulating the brain can stop brain cells from shrinking with age; it can even lead to an increase in brain size, resulting in memory improvements. Some scientists now believe that it is possible to improve memory function by challenging themselves with active learning or by living in an enriched environment, alive with colors, sounds, sights and smells.

The first step in boosting your memory power is to improve the health of your brain cells by stimulating your surroundings. Try a bright new shade for your walls and add colorful curtains and pictures. A fish tank will provide a soothing noise and a relaxing area of interest. Put up a birdfeeder outside your window, and keep a bird handbook and a pair of binoculars on hand. You can even keep a ‘bird diary’ to note the different species of birds you encounter. Try doing challenging jigsaw and 3D puzzles.

Developing a positive attitude is instrumental in stimulating your memory. Work on maintaining a positive attitude and stay flexible. Explore new areas, get out and get involved with life.

Take a course to learn a new skill. It could be as simple as flower arranging, or as challenging as math. Crossword puzzles, Sudoku and other games will help keep your mind sharp.

If you have trouble remembering appointments or birthdays keep these dates in a calendar and record all pertinent information.

Be sure to relax. It is always harder to remember things when we are nervous or tense. Take a few deep breaths and consciously relax your muscles.