PLAINS TALK Samantha Graham LMHC AVOIDING AGE-RELATED MEMORY LOSS Age-related memory loss is one of the most prominent mental health issues in the United States. Even people who do not suffer from Alzheimer's disease or senile dementia will likely find their memories becoming more and more unreliable as they age. This can be genetic or the result of poor life choices. Seniors who choose not to stay physically active, maintain healthy diets, and engage in mentally stimulating activities like puzzles, strategy games, and reading are far more likely to experience significant memory loss. Just 20 minutes of daily meditation has been shown to increase individuals' ability to recognize mistakes, making them less likely to repeat those mistakes in the future. Many people think forgetfulness is the first sign of Alzheimer's disease. But not all people with memory problems have Alzheimer's. Emotional problems, such as stress, anxiety, or depression, can make a person more forgetful and can be mistaken for dementia. For instance, someone who has recently retired or who is coping with the death ofa spouse, relative, or friend may feel sad and lonely. Plains Area professionals are here to help. Call our office today at 712-792-2991 or 800-325-1192. Our address is 318 South Maple St., Suite 1, Carroll. Helping People Cope With Everyday Living. P.S. One study of dietary habits and memory loss in men reported that those who consumed more fresh fruits and vegetables than average experienced less memory loss and retained more mental acuity. PLAINS AREA Mental Health Center Ming Ppe Cape Ede tng www.plainsareamentalhealth.org PLAINS TALK Samantha Graham LMHC AVOIDING AGE-RELATED MEMORY LOSS Age-related memory loss is one of the most prominent mental health issues in the United States. Even people who do not suffer from Alzheimer's disease or senile dementia will likely find their memories becoming more and more unreliable as they age. This can be genetic or the result of poor life choices. Seniors who choose not to stay physically active, maintain healthy diets, and engage in mentally stimulating activities like puzzles, strategy games, and reading are far more likely to experience significant memory loss. Just 20 minutes of daily meditation has been shown to increase individuals' ability to recognize mistakes, making them less likely to repeat those mistakes in the future. Many people think forgetfulness is the first sign of Alzheimer's disease. But not all people with memory problems have Alzheimer's. Emotional problems, such as stress, anxiety, or depression, can make a person more forgetful and can be mistaken for dementia. For instance, someone who has recently retired or who is coping with the death ofa spouse, relative, or friend may feel sad and lonely. Plains Area professionals are here to help. Call our office today at 712-792-2991 or 800-325-1192. Our address is 318 South Maple St., Suite 1, Carroll. Helping People Cope With Everyday Living. P.S. One study of dietary habits and memory loss in men reported that those who consumed more fresh fruits and vegetables than average experienced less memory loss and retained more mental acuity. PLAINS AREA Mental Health Center Ming Ppe Cape Ede tng www.plainsareamentalhealth.org