World-renowned brain expert advises to preserve memory
Author of more than 20 books on the mind, Dr. Richard Restak explained how memory problems can be prevented, based on his decades of experience.
While diseases that cause memory problems such as Alzheimer’s are among the most frightening diseases of the age, experts make statements about what can be done to protect mental health and memory every day.
Finally, the George Washington University Hospital Medicine and Health Neuroscientist and clinical professor Dr. Richard Restak explained important tips for preserving memory.
The world-famous doctor argues that the weakening of memory is not inevitable, and in his latest book (The Complete Guide to Memory: The Science of Strengthening Your Mind), he gives advice that can help strengthen memory.
Dr. Restak points out that the exercises he recommends should be done every day. Famous doctor; He also states that strengthening all memory skills is the key to preventing later memory problems.
To develop and maintain a healthy memory, Dr. Here are some of Restak’s suggested tips:
1- GIVE YOUR ATTENTION MORE
Some memory problems are not caused by a weakened memory, but by a lack of attention. For example, if you forget the name of someone you met in a crowd, it’s because you were talking to several people at the time and didn’t pay enough attention when you met them.
Dr. Restak, the effect of attention deficit on memory; “Inattention is the biggest cause of memory difficulties. That means you didn’t encode the memory correctly,” he explains.
Dr. Restak states that it can be helpful to try to visualize a newly introduced name or concept: “One way to pay attention when learning new information, such as a name, is to visualize the word. Having a picture associated with the word can make it easier to remember.”
2- DO EXERCISES FOR MEMORY
Dr. Restak says that there are many exercises you can do while doing your work in daily life: “For example; You can create and memorize your market list. And instead of automatically pulling out your list (or the note you saved on your phone) when you go to the market, take everything according to what you have in your memory.”
The famous doctor recommends those who do not go to the market to memorize the recipes and states that frequent meals are actually a great way to improve memory.
Dr. Restak also recommends not using GPS for exercises that can activate memory in daily life: “Once in a while, get in the car without turning on your GPS and try to navigate the streets according to your memory.”
According to a new study; It has been suggested that people who use GPS more frequently over time show a sharper cognitive decline in their spatial memory after three years.
3- READ MORE BOOKS
Dr. One of the first indicators of memory problems is giving up fiction: “When people start having memory problems, they tend to switch to nonfiction.”
Dr. Restak; She explains that she realized that editing requires an active engagement with the text: “When you get to Page 11, you have to remember what the character was doing on Page 3.”
4- KEEP DISTANCE BETWEEN TECHNOLOGY
The famous doctor argues that the convenience of technology can dull mental abilities over time: “Hiding everything on your phone means ‘you don’t know’. Why bother focusing, concentrating, and making an effort to visualize something when a cell phone camera can do all the work for you?”
Also, another problem created by technology is that it distracts us: “The biggest obstacle to memory today is distraction. Since most of these tools are designed to make the person using them addicted, we often get distracted. Today, people can check their email while watching Netflix, talking to a friend, or walking down the street. All of this prevents us from focusing on the present, which is critical for encoding memories.”
5- GET SUPPORT FOR YOUR MENTAL HEALTH
Mood has a greater impact on memory than you might think. For example, depression can greatly impair memory. Dr. “Among people referred to neurologists for memory problems, one of the biggest reasons is depression,” Restak said.
Dr. According to Restak; emotional state also influences the type of memories recalled. The hippocampus (or memory entry center, according to Dr. Restak) and the amygdala (the part of the brain that governs emotions and emotional behavior) are linked. “Well; When we are in a bad mood or depressed, we tend to remember sad things. Treating depression often restores memory as well.”
WHICH SIGNS A MEMORY PROBLEM?
Dr. Restak also points out that not every problem will point to memory loss. “For example, it is quite normal to not remember where you parked your car in a crowded place. However, forgetting how you got into the parking lot indicates possible memory problems.”
Dr. Restak sums it up with these words: “There is no simple solution to knowing what should be worrying. Much of this is context dependent. For example, it’s okay to forget your hotel’s room number, but not your apartment’s address. If you’re worried, it’s best to consult a medical professional.”
