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Tips to Maintain Memory

Eat Regular, Nutritious Meals

  • Provide a balanced diet with a variety of foods, including vegetables, fruits, whole grains, low-fat dairy products and lean proteins
  • Limit foods with high saturated fat and cholesterol, such as butter, fried foods, and fatty cuts of meat
  • Cut down on refined sugars
  • Limit foods with high sodium and use less salt, substituting spices or herbs to season food instead
  • Stay hydrated throughout the day
  • Avoid or limit alcohol consumption

Exercise

  • Regular exercise increases energy levels, reduces apathy and improves overall sense of well-being
  • Examples: walking, tai-chi, swimming, biking

Stay Mentally and Socially Active

  • Engage your brain to maintain function
  • Examples of mental exercise: card games, word games, Sudoku, board games, reading (note: TV is not considered mental activity)
  • Examples of social exercise: talk with friends or family several times a week, take a course in something of interest to you, participate in support groups or daycare

Use Tips to Help You Remember

  • Keep lists
  • Follow a routine
  • Make associations in your mind
  • Keep a detailed calendar
  • Repeat names when you meet new people
  • Jog your memory by running through the ABCs in your head