As we get older temporary lapses in memory is a common phenomenon. However, the older we get the more frequent these lapses become. For example, every day people misplace their keys, or dial a phone number and forget whom they were calling.

The older we get the more we lose the ability to retain new information. This is the first thing that starts to decline with age. As a result, older people can better remember an event that happened ten years ago opposed to an event that happened ten minutes ago.

The adaptation of experiences into memory is a multifaceted biochemical progression, of which scientists have only a partial indulgent of all the facts. Experts like to compare the human brain to the operation of a computer. If you do not save information onto a computer hard drive, it is discarded. The human brain is similar, it gets rid of information it does not need unless there is a reason to conserve it. The brain is more likely to retain vibrant experiences that are rich in imagery, sounds, feelings, or emotions that tell the brain that something of significance is happening in which the brain then considers it worth remembering.

Someone is considered to have a great memory when they can retrieve information as well as they can store it. However, when one is distracted while learning, it is much harder to retain what you have learnt. One of the reasons people lose memory as they get older is the result of increasing demands on attention that arises over time.

Another piece to the puzzle of why we lose memory as we age is the deficiency of a certain chemical called neurotransmitters. This deficiency however does not start to show itself until you reach your early to mid-fifties. In addition, acetylcholine is another chemical that seems to be closely implicated in the adaptation of working memory into lasting memory. The majority of drugs and nutritional supplements out there that caters to memory loss do so by increasing the levels of acetylcholine in the brain.

Natural Memory Loss Treatment Tips And Herbs for Memory

- The brain is like any other part of the body; it needs exercise, and most of all it needs to be challenged. The more you challenge and exercise it the stronger it gets over time. People who engage in mental activities form additional neural connections. This means that they have a larger reserve of brain circuits; therefore, keeping them mentally sharp. Studies show that the more education and language abilities you have the less likely it is for you to develop Alzheimer’s later in life.

Therefore, keep your mind active. Do crossword puzzles. Read books that challenge your mind. Going to the movies and playing scrabble is also beneficial. Practically any activity that keeps the mind active with new experiences and learning could help minimize the risk of getting an age related memory problem.

- Do not try to overload your brain. It is hard for anyone to remember large planks of information. Memory comes easier when information is cut up into smaller manageable chunks.

A good example of breaking up information into smaller chunks is phone numbers. They are divided into three units. For most people remembering phone numbers by breaking them up is easier than memorizing the number as a whole. This technique can be used for memorizing any type of information.

- Try forming mental pictures. It is a known fact that people remember things better when they have a visual image attached to it. Imagine being introduced to a person at a party by the name of George, and you would like to remember this person’s name; start by forming a mental image of George Washington, or a dollar bill, and repeat the name a few times. This is effective because of the combination of a visual image and repetition. You will not have a problem remembering George’s name in the future.

When you want to remember, it is also good practice to write things down. Just the act of writing the information down makes it easier to remember.

- Do not forget the power of sleep. The brain demands it; it must have it in order to perform its duties at optimal efficiency. The human brain is the only organ in the body that needs sleep. While we doze, the brain stays busy gathering and filing information that it accumulated the day before. The brain can only execute this action while we slumber. Try to snooze for at least eight hours a night; however, some people can get by with only five, while some may need ten. In other words, just do what is best for you. If your memory is not up to where you would like it to be, consider getting more shuteye.

Start taking multivitamins, particularly the B vitamins. Vitamin B12 plays a key role in memory and mental functions. The older you get the harder it becomes for you to absorb B vitamins. Being deficient in vitamin B12 can cause substantial memory loss. Try getting a multivitamin that provides 100 percent of the daily value for vitamins B6 and B12 and folic acid. In addition, get the vitamins in gel, liquid, or powder form because their better absorbed than solid supplements.

- Incorporate extra vitamin E into your diet. This vitamin is important because it helps to block the harmful effects of unstable molecules in the blood, also known as free radicals. It can also block the formation of cholesterol in the blood vessels in the brain, while reducing inflammation. Antioxidants like vitamin E has been clinically shown to slow or retard the progression of Alzheimer’s disease.

Although you can take vitamin E supplements, it is better if you get it from the foods you eat. Foods such as, nuts, wheat germ, and cooking oils are all good sources of this essential vitamin. However, if you do not have time to get it from the foods you eat then it is ok to start taking supplements. The Best possible dose has not yet been determined, but 400 to 1,000 IU vitamin E daily is probably adequate.

- During clinical studies, a group of people was given Ginkgo three times daily and it improved their memory, concentration, and alertness. The reason this herb works so well is because it appears to improve circulation and aids brain cells in getting the vital nutrients that they need to stay healthy.

- Herbalists suggest taking Siberian ginseng when you are stressed and forgetful. Ginseng aids memory by sustaining the task of the adrenal gland, thus helping with stress management. The best dosage is 100 to 200 milligrams a day.

- Try using Rosemary. This essential oil aids memory and reduces anxiety.

- As to be expected, exercise plays a major role in the health and vitality of the brain. Exercises like walking, biking, and other forms of physical activity helps to increase blood flow throughout the body, including the brain. It is also important in fighting off illnesses such as stroke, diabetes, and high blood pressure, which can also contribute to memory problems.

- Try to stay away from as much stress as possible. Stress hormones such as cortisol are always found in high levels within people who are frequently tense or anxious. Over time, high amounts of these hormones can eventually do damage to the hippocampus, the part of the brain that controls memory.

- Stress and anxiety can also affect the memory circuitously. People who are stressed all the time usually have trouble sleeping, which means their constantly fatigued; therefore, making it harder to remember information.

If you cannot get away from stress entirely, try doing things that can help you relax. You can do things like spending more time with your children. Take some time for yourself and get a massage, visit a spa, or do whatever it takes to get away from stressful situations.

- Keep your cholesterol low. Studies have shown that too much cholesterol can quicken the onset of Alzheimer’s disease. Keeping your cholesterol low can have great benefits for your memory as well as your overall health.

- Increase your water intake. The brain is made up of eighty-five percent water. Not drinking enough water can cause dehydration, which leads to fatigue thereby making it harder to remember. Drink eight glasses of water daily.

- If you are depressed – get help. Depression makes it hard to concentrate; therefore, causing people to feel sluggish and tired. In older folks, depression is sometimes mistaken for Alzheimer’s and other diseases that rob people of their memory such as dementia. Alzheimer’s disease can also cause depression, and it is known that older patients who get depressed have a higher risk of getting Alzheimer’s disease.