Why the decline in memory?

As we age, we grow in wisdom. But at the same time, the size of our brain is shrinking. Fortunately, this change in brain size is part of the normal aging process and takes place so slowly that we don't notice it.

With age, we can easily forget the name of a new neighbor or a few items to pick up at the grocery store. Dates could also be a problem. Unless there is an underlying disorder - trauma or injury, infection or onset of dementia or Alzheimer's disease - most of these so-called “senile” moments can be attributed to the natural aging of the brain. There is no need to worry about it.

They can also be attributed to the number of things we need to remember. Our brains are called upon by much more information than 20-40 years ago. Our brain is designed for a life like it was at the turn of the century. And now we have to constantly learn new computer techniques, the news on TV is much more extended to encompass the whole world, new products are coming into the market, new sciences etc. So in light of all this information, we must select and retain only those that are important to us and forgive ourselves for oversights that do not really concern us.

Other causes of memory loss or lack of memory include stroke, head trauma or injury, thyroid disease, taking certain medications, depression or anxiety, alcoholism, poor diet (eg vitamin B12 deficiency) and sleep disturbances. It has also been observed that reduced memory is associated with the presence of low levels of high density lipids, commonly referred to as HDL or "good cholesterol". In addition, some researchers believe that changes in the levels of the female hormone estrogen could cause memory difficulties, especially after menopause and during pregnancy.

Despite this natural aging process, our brain retains its ability to adapt to changes, which gives the possibility of acquiring new knowledge, establishing new connections and countering memory loss. Contrary to what was believed in the past, our neurons are able to regenerate and our brain builds new links with each new information that we want to reuse. We can support our brains by cultivating healthy habits for memory.