You may use this image in your ezine or website if you choose to publish my article. Click here to see the picture full-sized.--- Kamau Austin

Memory loss may affect us with greater frequency, as we get     
older.  A certain amount of memory loss is to be expected. But
there is a big difference between the normal forgetfulness that
comes with aging and debilitating mental illnesses such as
Alzheimer's disease.

Most people forget where they placed their keys from time to
time or the name of a recent acquaintance.  These minor lapses
in memory are normal and may be, to some degree - age-related. 

But age-related memory loss doesn't prevent you from living a
full life.  People with memory loss due to more serious
conditions than the normal memory loss mentioned above,  find
that the memory loss is actually interfering with their ability
to go about their life, normally and affects their quality of
life.

With normal memory loss those affected frequently have a good-
natured attitude to about it and may even joke about their
inability to remember.  People with more serious memory problems
may have the felling that something is not quite right and may
actually try to hide their symptoms.

Age related memory loss usually remains pretty stable after its
initial onset, unlike the memory loss associated with
Alzheimer's which tends to get worse over time. 

Some additional signs of Alzheimer's disease may include,
asking the same question multiple times after receiving an
initial answer;  inappropriate use of words; inability to follow
a recipe, or other steps to completing a task; becoming lost
while driving or walking on familiar streets.  In additions,
sudden mood or behavior changes for no apparent reasons, may
signal that something is not right.

It is important to seek medical attention, quickly if you
experience any of these symptoms.  These symptoms can be
indicative of conditions other than Alzheimer's; conditions that
are reversible and treatable if diagnosed in time.  Even
Alzheimer's disease responds to some treatments and the
prognosis is better for those who seek medical treatment for
the disease, than those who don't. 

Between the normal experience of forgetfulness that comes with
aging and Alzheimer's is a transitional stage called Mild
Cognitive Impairment of MCI.  

While MCI can affect many areas of cognition or thinking. 
Researchers find that it affects memory most often.  The number
of people with MCI in the general over 65 non-demented
population is not known but some believe it may be as high as 20
percent.  

Again, as with Alzheimer's, memory loss which goes beyond the
normal range, may signal MCI.   The criteria for a diagnosis of
amnesia MCI are similar to Alzheimer's disease, just not as
severe and with the absence of dementia.  

So, what can you do to prevent memory loss and keep your mind
sharp?  Below are a few of the things that are shown to help you
keep your wits about you:

- Stimulating activities:  Either a job that is mentally
challenging or  learning new skills, such as learning to play a
musical instrument.

- Stay physically fit:  Research shows that higher physical
activity correlates to lower mental decline.  Exercise also
helps us feel more energetic and alert.
 
- Eat healthy:  A diet rich in fruits and vegetables and lower
in fats and empty carbohydrates provide us with antioxidants
which may help prevent cholesterol from damaging the inner
lining of our arteries, which slow the flow of blood to our
brains.
 
- Drink alcohol in moderation:  People who drink heavily for
years can experience permanent brain damage and are at higher
risk for dementia than non-drinkers and those who drink
moderately.
 
- Good Supplementation:  Some herbs along with vitamins B12 and
vitamin C have recently been shown to be effective in promoting
good mental health and functioning.  It is important to be sure
that you get the proper concentration and dosage when using
vitamins.  This is sometimes easier said than done.  

To be sure that you are getting the proper combination of
vitamins, herbs and minerals to promote good brain functioning
you may want to try Neurovar™.

Neurovar™ is an all natural and safe formula using clinically
substantiated ingredients aiding overall cognitive function.
Neurovar™ we hear is an all natural and safe formula using
clinically substantiated ingredients aiding overall cognitive
function. Its makers purport that it is the complete brain
function formula and is available today to help support both
brain function and protection of cerebral health.
 

Kamau Austin and Stephanie McIntyre are health and fitness
enthusiasts and advocates. They write on a regular basis on
timeless health and fitness tips at the Fit After Forty Blog.
See more useful health and fitness news and tips at...
http://www.healthandfitnessvitality.com/blogs/fitnessblog.htm

This Article must be published with a disclaimer as such...
This article is for general information purposes only. Before
under taking any exercise or treatment program always first
check first with your doctor and health professionals.