HELPFUL MEMORY BOOSTERS FOR TAers

As we all know, one of the downsides on taking prednisone or other meds/TIAs is memory loss.

Here are a few tips to increase or at least boost or improve your memory.

From Washingtonian magazine (http://www.washingtonian.com/articles/health/3775.html)

• Doing word games, puzzles, and other mental exercises.
• Have a broad range of interests like taking a course(s), reading, attending plays.
• Physical exercise is key, too. Aerobic activity increases blood flow and oxygen in the brain
• There is also evidence that certain foods may help the brain. Deficiencies of vitamins B-12 and B-1 and folic acid have been linked to cognitive impairment—so, theory goes, foods rich in these nutrients may protect the brain. “Antioxidants may also be important, and there is a growing body of evidence that suggests fish oil may be important", says Dr. Aisen, a professor in the departments of neurology and medicine at Georgetown University.
• The Alzheimer’s Association suggests eating more• antioxidant-rich vegetables such as spinach, kale, brussels sprouts, broccoli, beets, red bell pepper, onion, corn, and eggplant,• dark-skinned fruits including raisins, blueberries, prunes, blackberries, strawberries, raspberries, plums, oranges, red grapes, and cherries,• cold-water fish including halibut, mackerel, salmon, trout, and tuna, and• nuts, such as almonds, pecans, and walnuts.
• Social interaction is another boost to brain health. According to the Alzheimer’s Association, studies have found that activities like dancing, which combines physical and mental challenge along with companionship, have the greatest benefit. Dr. Gordon, who has written books on improving memory, says that it’s not the activity that matters but doing something to keep mind and body active.

From Consumer Reports on The Best of Health.

Mental ability on some tasks varies over the course of a day by 20 or 30 percent. Here's how you can be smart all day long.

Creativity and the ability to process information peaks in the morning. It's an ideal time for writing, generating ideas, or studying subjects such as math.

Alertness peaks shortly before noon. This is the best time for tackling complex problems that require careful logic or planning but not maximum creativity.

Short term memory peaks in the morning. This is a good time to review notes for a meeting or a test early in the day.

Long term memory peaks in the late afternoon or early evening. It's a good time to soak up new information.

And some helpful tips from fellow TAer Gid:

"Ahhhh, the beauty of the bright yellow/orange post'ems. The daily ones, i.e. turn off the stove, etc. are posted with a small amt of tape to my front door.....I have begun to be very very consciencious about my appointment calendar. I carry it everywhere."