Our memory can fail sometimes. Who hasn’t forgotten their keys? and what about entering a room and not knowing why you were going there? These are some examples of what happens to all of us. In most cases, these small lapses are normal, but as we get older, some changes in memory can raise concerns about cognitive decline.
Neurologist and neuropsychiatrist Richard Restak, former president of the American Neuropsychiatric Association and author of more than 20 books, has spoken about this issue. He explains how to tell the difference between normal forgetfulness and more serious warning signs. He also gives clear advice about lifestyle habits, especially regarding alcohol, to protect brain health and memory after the age of 65. So, let’s see what he has to say.
Warning signs
According to doctor Restak, many everyday lapses are not really a memory issue, but they have to do with attention. To remember something later, you first need to focus on it and properly store it in your brain.
For example, if you know someone at a party and minutes later you forget their name, this may be because you are distracted. In this case, the information was never stored completely in your brain. As Restak explains, memory has two key steps: consolidating information and then being able to retrieve it. If it was never consolidated, there is nothing to retrieve.
However, some situations go beyond simple distraction. If you lose your car keys and later find them inside the refrigerator, or you open the fridge and discover the newspaper inside, that may signal more serious issues. Such behaviors could be early indicators of cognitive decline.
Preventing cognitive decline
It’s important to clarify that doctor Restak is not saying that everyone can guarantee they will never develop dementia. There’s no absolute protection, but you can do certain life habits that can reduce the risk. He makes a great comparison to driving a car: can you guarantee you will never have an accident? No, right? However, if you use the seat belt, control the speed, and keep your car in good conditions, you will reduce the chances of having an accident.
A healthy brain works in a similar way, so let’s see what Restak recommends doing:
- Keep your body moving with regular exercise.
- Make sure you get enough sleep and rest.
- Read often to keep your mind active.
- Take care of your eyes and ears.
- Eat healthy foods that nourish your body and brain.
Memory and alcohol
One of the most important pieces of advice from Restak has to do with alcohol. He explains that alcohol is a weak neurotoxin, which means it’s not beneficial for nerve cells. Even small in small amounts, alcohol has no positive aspect for your brain’s health.
This is why, Restak recommends that, after turning 65 years old, people should stop drinking alcohol because this will be key to protect their memory and cognitive health in later life.
It’s true he doesn’t confirm that alcohol causes dementia automatically, or that removing it completely from your life means you will have 0 chances of developing the disease. Alcohol is one of the many factors of lifestyle that may affect brain cells, and removing it could help people preserve their memory as they get older.
So…
Now that you understand a bit more about how memory works and which habits can affect it, it is important that you start including this knowledge in your daily life. We previously mentioned Restak’s comparison using a car, but we propose that you think of your brain like a garden: what you do today will shape what you can enjoy tomorrow. Every choice matters.