May 13, 2025 Breaking News, Latest News, and Videos

All About Aging: Simple Steps For A Better Memory:

By Dr. Alia Tuqan

September is “World Alzheimer’s Month” and Sept. 21 is “World Alzheimer’s Day” to bring awareness to Alzheimer’s disease and dementia. This year marks the start of the “silver tsunami,” when the first of the baby-boomer generation turns age 65.

Often, as a person grows older, he or she may notice that his or her memory is not as sharp. What changes in memory are considered a normal part of aging and what are not? Here is some helpful information about memory and dementia.

Dementia is the loss of memory and other cognitive abilities that significantly interferes with daily life. Alzheimer’s disease is the most common and well-know type of dementia, but there are other forms as well with long and complicated names.

People with Alzheimer’s disease have short-term memory problems. They may forget recent conversations or get lost in familiar places. Later on, they have long-term memory problems, such as forgetting loved ones’ names and important past events. Sometimes, people with Alzheimer’s disease have personality changes and become confused easily.

If you or a loved one has memory problems or behavioral changes, make a doctor’s visit. Your doctor may conduct tests to determine the cause. Sometimes thyroid disease and vitamin B-12 deficiency, both of which are easily treatable, can cause symptoms similar to those seen with dementia.

Once dementia has been diagnosed, there are steps that can be taken. While there is no cure, there are medications to slow the rate of memory loss and treat behavioral changes.

Living with dementia or caring for a loved one with dementia can be challenging. Many communities have patient and caregiver support groups. Ask your doctor or check with the Alzheimer’s Association in your community or on the web at www.alz.org for more information.

Dementia is NOT a normal part of aging! Here is what you can do to protect your memory and prevent dementia:

1) Manage your blood pressure. Our doctor may recommend a low-salt diet or blood pressure medications to keep it within acceptable ranges.

2) Know your cholesterol level and talk with your doctor about dietary changes and medication to lower it.

3) Stop smoking and using tobacco products. Your doctor can help with effective approaches.

4) Eat a diet rich in fresh fruits and vegetables, whole grains, and healthy proteins. Drink alcohol in moderation.

5) Keep active, both physically and mentally. Regular exercise for 30 to 45 minutes per day, three to five times a week, can help your body and mind. Consider taking walks in your neighborhood or visiting your local gym. But consult with your doctor before starting any exercise routine. Regular mental exercise can help, too. Try doing crossword puzzles or volunteering in your community. An active mind is a healthy mind!

Follow these simple steps for a better memory – and a healthier life!

Dr. Alia Tuqan is a board-certified geriatrician with the highly-ranked UCLA Geriatrics Program in Santa Monica and Westwood. For more information, call 310. 319.4371.

Follow The Mirror on Twitter: twitter.com/SMMirror

Follow The Mirror on Facebook: facebook.com/SMMirror

in News
<>Related Posts

ICE Apprehends Santa Monica College Student Off-Campus

May 13, 2025

May 13, 2025

This apprehension comes amid heightened ICE activity in Southern California, where federal agents have targeted major cities including Los Angeles...

City of Malibu Accepting Poet Laureate Applications for 2025–2027 Term

May 13, 2025

May 13, 2025

Malibu Invites Poets to Apply to Represent Malibu’s Creative Voice Malibu has opened the application period for its 2025–2027 Poet...

Golf Tournament to Raise Funds for Palisades Charter High School Wildfire Recovery

May 12, 2025

May 12, 2025

The “Raise Pali Golf Tournament” includes a nine-hole game, prize putting contests, and a community reception A community-led golf tournament...

Registration Opens for Second Annual Venice Beach Run

May 12, 2025

May 12, 2025

Race organizers promise a festive finish line atmosphere, complete with live DJs, a beer garden, a vendor expo, and giveaways...

Brentwood Art Center: Creative Art Camps for Kids and Teens this Summer

May 12, 2025

May 12, 2025

The beloved Brentwood Art Center is hosting summer camps at its new location at Olympic & 17th in Santa Monica. ...

Loyola High School, Community Honors Braun Levi, 18, After Tragedy in Manhattan Beach

May 12, 2025

May 12, 2025

Scholarship Fund Launched; Suspect with Suspended License Held Without Bail Tributes poured in over the weekend for Loyola High School...

City to Issue Solicitations for Affordable Housing Development at Bergamot Station Arts Center

May 12, 2025

May 12, 2025

Proposals for the Bergamot Station Arts Center must prioritize maximizing affordable housing units while also considering potential artist housing and...

Historic Lloyd Wright-Designed Palisades Home Hits Market at $12.9M

May 12, 2025

May 12, 2025

Wright, the son of Frank Lloyd Wright, designed the estate for an Academy-winning composer A historic estate designed by architect...

Saint Monica Prep: Mariner Sports Camps Focus on Fundamentals

May 11, 2025

May 11, 2025

Coaches that led Saint Monica Preparatory’s Mariner sports teams to win league and division titles are offering opportunities for the...

Top Malibu Sale of 2025: Oceanfront Malibu Colony Home Sells for $26.8M

May 11, 2025

May 11, 2025

Old Hollywood-Era Home Sells After Over a Year on the Market Topping Malibu’s residential sales charts for the year, a...

SM.a.r.t Column: Open Container, Closed Minds: Why Santa Monica’s Outdoor Drinking Plan Will Likely Drown

May 11, 2025

May 11, 2025

Santa Monica’s new plan to allow outdoor drinking on the Third Street Promenade between 8:00 AM and 2:00 AM is...

Annual Film Awards Show Leaving Santa Monica for Hollywood

May 11, 2025

May 11, 2025

The move marks a major shift for the iconic awards show, long known for its laid-back, seaside atmosphere that distinguished...

Group Exhibition “Boulders” Showcases Work by 34 Artists at Arcane Space

May 9, 2025

May 9, 2025

The exhibition emphasizes “mutual support, collective strength, and an unflinching engagement with this current moment.” A new group exhibition opening...

Avril Lavigne Partners with Palisades Skate Shop for Sweatshirt Fundraiser

May 9, 2025

May 9, 2025

The sweatshirt, blending Lavigne’s signature style with Paliskates’ skate culture roots, is on sale Three months after its spotlight moment...

Sunshine Beach Volleyball Camps: Register Open for Summer Camps

May 8, 2025

May 8, 2025

Summer is coming. For young volleyball athletes, that means registration for the Sunshine Westside Beach Camp and South Bay Beach...