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Tips

To Keep

Your Mind

Sharp, Strong

As You Age

by Dr. Emily Ptaszek, president and CEO, Healthcare Network

ave you ever struggled to remember Sleep it off. Today’s constantly connected world makes it
someone’s name, forgotten where harder to just turn everything off and get a good night’s sleep.
Hyou parked the car or misplaced your Sleeping problems are common as we age, but 7 to 8 hours of sleep
glasses or house keys? daily is a must. Sleep recharges the body while also allowing your
Those incidents can be classified as minor brain to retain important memories and get rid of unnecessary
“memory glitches,” moments of temporary data.
forgetfulness or confusion associated with Create a nightly routine that can include relaxing activities like
aging. meditating, journaling or reading. Going to bed at the same time
While occasional forgetfulness is normal, each day is important to get a good night’s rest.
it can be frustrating, embarrassing and concerning. As you age, Be proactive about your health. Dementia and Alzheimer’s
changes in cognitive function can cause our brains to process disease aren’t the only health conditions that cause cognitive
information slower. decline. Untreated medical conditions can lead to memory loss.
The following list of tips can help combat mental decline by Stay on top of your annual health screenings and check-ups to
preserving mental sharpness and keeping your brain performing better manage health conditions that affect brain function like
optimally. hypothyroidism, diabetes and vitamin B-12 deficiency.
“Jog” your memory. The health benefits of exercising are well Tell your primary care provider about any health concerns.
known. Staying active also has been linked to higher brain function Make sure to provide a current list of prescriptions and over-the-
and motor skills in seniors. Evidence suggests aerobic exercises that counter drugs you’re taking since some medications are known to
get your heart pumping are especially beneficial as they improve cause memory problems.
blood circulation to areas in the brain associated with memory. Most people will experience a moment of forgetfulness. That’s
If you haven’t exercised in a while, start small. Go for a brisk normal. If it becomes more common or you suspect a more serious
walk after dinner or take a dance class. Consider a low-impact health issue, talk to a medical professional and be open about
exercise, like swimming or water aerobics. your concerns. At Healthcare Network, highly trained senior
Use your brainpower. Engage in brain-stimulating activities care providers perform assessments and full evaluations before
like reading, drawing, playing an instrument and completing determining an appropriate care plan to meet a patient’s individual
sudoku or crossword puzzles. Learn a new language or pick up a needs.
hobby like quilting. Challenge a friend to a game of chess.
These activities keep your memory sharp and improve brain Dr. Corin DeChirico is Chief Medical Officer and Vice President of
function. A long period of intense focus is great for training your Medical Affairs at Healthcare Network, an Immokalee-based nonprofit
brain to concentrate better, and it’s also a creative outlet and stress founded in 1977 with a mission to provide quality healthcare accessible
reliever. to everyone in our community. For more information,
please call 239-658-3000 or visit HealthcareSWFL.org.

50 Life in Naples | January 2022