HealthFirst-Exercising your memory

UNDATED (WJRT) -- (11/13/09) -- There are five simple and free things you can start doing right now to help save your memory.

How you live can have a big affect on your memory.

They are the drivers behind your thoughts, decisions and actions, but too often they disappear.

What can you do to improve your memory? The first brain booster: avoid stress.

"It reduces memory performance. It reduces your ability to pay attention to things," said Charan Ranganath, Ph.D., an associate professor at the University of California, Davis.

Number two: Get enough sleep. While you rest, your brain's two memory systems, the hippocampus and the neo-cortex,  talk to each other.

"Sleep is very, very important to consolidate information that we learned the day before," said Eric Chudler, Ph.D, a research associate professor at the University of Washington, Seattle.

Another booster: be social.

"Social stimulation, for one thing, will get you more alert and aroused," Ranganath said.

One report showed talking to another person for just 10 minutes led to significant improvement on memory tests. Researchers say pets count as companions, too.

Try neurobics.

"The truth is the brain is like a muscle because the more you use the brain, the more effective it is,"  explained James McGaugh, Ph.D, a neurobiologist the University of California, Irvine.

The idea is to challenge it in unexpected ways. Try brushing your teeth with the opposite hand, closing your eyes to find your keys in your purse or reorganizing your desk.

The last booster on our list: dance.

"Anything that you can do to engage the brain is going to make the brain work a little better," McGaugh said.

Researchers who followed nearly 500 people for 21 years found that ballroom dancing was the most protective physical activity. It reduced dementia risk by 76 percent.

"The adage that you can't teach an old dog new tricks really isn't true," said Chudler.

Nutrition is also important for a good memory, but there's no scientific proof that supplements like ginkgo-biloba or other popular vitamin blends work.

They also say crossword puzzles and games like Sudoku can also help keep your brain stimulated.

Next Tuesday McLaren is hosting free memory screenings. If you have concerns about yourself or someone you love, visit us online for more information.

Of course, you should never change your child's dose or take them off of any of these prescribed drugs without first talking to your pediatrician.

The McLaren Family Medicine Residency Group is offering free memory screenings by appointment only on November 17 from 8:00 am-4:30 pm.  To take part, call (810) 342-5620.

ATTENTION DEFICIT DISORDER: ADD is a neurological disorder causing problems with attention span, hyperactivity and impulsive behaviors. ADD affects between 8 and 12 percent of children and 4 percent of adults globally, according to a 2009 article published on Web MD. Often times, it is first diagnosed in children and stays with them through their adult years. There is no cure for ADD, but medications, therapy and counseling may significantly improve a patient's symptoms. Although initial diagnosis is often scary, parents should not stress out. Most children with ADD are very capable of growing into successful, social and active adults.

There is no one known cause for ADD. Brain scans reveal a different brain structure in these patients. According to the Mayo Clinic, patients typically have less activity in the area of the brain which controls attention and activity. Heredity does play a partial role; 25 percent of children with ADD also have a relative with the disorder. Mothers-to-be who smoke or use drugs increase their baby's odds of developing ADD. Young children exposed to toxins are also at a higher risk.

Signs and symptoms may vary upon severity. Two key characteristics of the disorder are inability to pay attention and hyperactive behavior. Patients tend to lean towards one trait more than the other, but often possess both. Signals of inattentive behavior include not paying attention to details, having trouble staying focused, having a hard time listening in a conversation, difficulty following instructions, limited organization and a forgetful memory. Characteristics signaling hyperactive behavior include fidgeting, an inability to stay seated, playing loudly, talking a lot, interrupting others and being very anxious, according to the Mayo Clinic.

ADD MEDICATIONS: The most common drugs used to treat ADD are methylphenidate (Ritalin, Concerta, Daytrana), dextroamphetamine-amphetamine (Adderall), and dextroamphetamine (Dexedrine), according to the Mayo Clinic. In an article published by Web MD, a study suggests that adolescents treated with Ritalin have increased their odds for sudden cardiac death. According to the article, the FDA does not want to change the way the drugs are used, claiming the study had major limitations. Some medicines are short-term, lasting around four hours, while others last between six and 12. Stimulant medications have side effects including decreased appetite, weight loss, sleeping problems, and irritability as the medicine wears off.

ALTERNATIVE MEDICINES: Behavioral therapy can improve a child's schoolwork and social skills. The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention offer parenting tips for kids with the disorder. They say make a schedule with set wake-up and bedtimes. Be organized and create specific spots for key things such as backpacks. During homework time, get rid of distractions like the television or radio. Limit choices to two options. This prevents overwhelming decisions between foods, clothes, restaurants, stores, etc. The Mayo Clinic also recommends showing children plenty of affection, being patient and keeping others' feelings in perspective.

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healthfirst, leslie toldo

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