At what point, do we start losing our minds? For most of us, that process doesn't start having a great impact on our lives until later in life. I've been blessed with a fairly amazing memory, am so grateful for it, but take no credit for it. I was just born that way and it is haphazard in nature, at best.

When I want to remember things, (like math equations & phone numbers) I can't, when I don't want to (cruel comments or bad dreams) I can't forget them! In our little radio career, I've made a habit of being able to identify people by their voice and then remember it, for years. I also will remember how to spell someone's name even if they only spelled it for me once decades ago (Do you have any idea how many different ways there are to spell the name Keri, Carrie, Kari, Karri, Karie?).

I have no idea how it works, but I have used mnemonic devices to help me over the years with things I want to remember, but have difficulty with. (This works particularly well with peoples' names and faces).

According to Dr. Roshini Raj, the medical editor from Health Magazine, there are other things you can do and consume to help boost your memory and as we all get older we can use all the help we can get! Now, where was I? Oh yeah, memory boosters.

  • Listen to Music: in particular, classical music, which was shown to boost cognition and memory
  • Spell It Out: when you meet someone, spell their name out in your head three times, this will help solidify it in your mind
  • Eat Healthy Foods: sometimes this is easier said than done, but she suggests salmon or any fatty fish which is high in an Omega-3 acid called DHA. Additionally leafy greens like spinach and kale, which are high in beta-carotene, lutein and vitamin K are essential to keeping your brain young. Don't forget the healthy fat either. In a recent study olive oil was shown to reduce the buildup in your brain of a protein linked to Alzheimers disease.
  • Laugh Out Loud: (My favorite suggestion) Research recently indicated that older people tested after watching funny videos performed better cognitively. So anything that makes you laugh several times a day can truly help your memory.

(Information from Today.com/health)


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