Memory Archive

Mind & Mood

Helpful gadgets for a fuzzy memory

Published December 1, 2021

Many gadgets help support memory. Some—such as calendars, voice recorders, and talking motion-activated sensors—provide basic reminders that can be used to help someone remember appointments, lists, and more. Other tools, such as key hooks and mini shelves, support memory by establishing a reliable storage spot for everyday objects such as keys and eyeglasses. Automatic pill dispensers and pill alarms can help people manage a medication regimen. Wireless trackers can help people find objects when they’re misplaced. Smartphones have many memory-support tools, such as calendars, notepads, voice recorders, and alarms.

Exercise and Fitness

Working out your brain

Published December 1, 2021

Cardio exercise has been convincingly linked to less cognitive decline and may even improve cognitive functioning. Research suggests it can strengthen the heart, promote arterial health, improve blood flow to the brain, fight inflammation, and increase key chemicals that promote new brain cell growth. The type of exercise does not matter, but cardio that is both physically challenging and offers mental stimulation is ideal.

Mind & Mood

Can friends who listen help protect your memory and thinking skills?

Published November 1, 2021

A study published online Aug. 16, 2021, by JAMA Network Open suggests that older adults with good listeners in their lives have better thinking skills—despite decreases in brain volume—compared with people who don’t have good listeners in their lives.

Mind & Mood

Diets rich in flavonoids linked to better brain health

Published November 1, 2021

Diets rich in plant chemicals called flavonoids may help protect the brain.

Mind & Mood

Some blood pressure drugs are linked with better memory

Published October 1, 2021

A 2021 analysis found that adults ages 50 and older who took an ACE inhibitor such as lisinopril or an ARB like candesartan that crosses the blood-brain barrier scored higher on memory recall tests after three years on the medication, when compared with those who took a different drug in the same class that doesn’t cross over.

Mind & Mood

Stuck in a brain fog? Look in your medicine cabinet

Published October 1, 2021

Older adults may assume bouts of forgetfulness or "brain fog" are a natural part of aging. But one possible explanation is that the problem is a side effect from common medications, in particular sleep aids and pain killers. Older adults who have recently begun taking a new medication or increased their dosage should monitor their memory problems and then share the information with their doctor to see if adjustments should be made to their medication regimen.

Mind & Mood

Embrace healthy habits for a robust memory

Published October 1, 2021

Healthy lifestyle habits may contribute to better brain health and sharper thinking skills. For example, getting at least seven hours of sleep each night gives the brain time to consolidate and store information and also flush out waste—including Alzheimer’s disease–related toxins. Eating a healthy diet helps ward off "mini" strokes that kill brain cells and lead to cognitive decline. Other healthy lifestyle habits that may help cognition include exercising, managing stress, and practicing mindfulness.

Mind & Mood

Can flavonoids help fend off forgetfulness?

Published September 17, 2021

Eating a broad variety of fruits and vegetables is a good way to get a sufficient intake of flavonoids, chemicals that contribute to many aspects of health. Now, a study suggests that flavonoid-rich foods may also play a role in protecting memory and thinking as people get older.