Brain power: Easy ways to boost your brain power today

You don’t need expensive gadgets or computer games to help keep your brain healthy and ticking over. Try these simple and easy to follow tips to today to boost your brain power! Feeling forgetful? Don’t worry. According to research carried out by charity Love to Learn, frequent memory lapses are common with 37% of Brits over 50 years old say they often can’t recall the names of friends. ‘Many people find their memory becomes slower as they age because the hippocampus, [the part of the brain] which is responsible for memory, shrinks as part of the ageing process,’ says consultant neuroradiologist Dr Emer MacSweeney from Re:Cognition Health. ‘But the brain is a muscle and, like any muscle, regular exercise can keep it performing.’ How much forgetfulness is normal? Can’t remember your PIN? ‘Forgetting a number you’ve known for years is really common,’ says Dr MacSweeney. It may just be down to how busy you are. ‘Stress can influence memory processes,’ adds Dr Bond. ‘But repeatedly asking the same questions, getting lost in a familiar environment and issues with speech are some of the early symptoms of dementia,’ says Dr MacSweeney. ‘Worried? Seek prompt medical advice – an early diagnosis can dramatically help someone with dementia.’ Why the menopause can make it worse Mild memory problems can also be worse at this age due to the fluctuation of the hormone oestrogen, which helps repair neurons in the brain. ‘It’s one of the lesser known symptoms of menopause ,’ says chemist and natural health expert Dr Tim Bond (teaadvisorypanel.com). ‘It’s called ‘brain fog’ – where you lose concentration, and everything seems to be moving faster than you.’ Thankfully, it will eventually pass. Try our top tips for boosting your brain power today If you’re worried you’re slowing down, there are lots […]

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