Tips to avoid memory loss during menopause

We have all suffered with memory loss at some point throughout our lives. Usually it is just a momentary lapse and we can’t remember a person’s name, where we left our car keys, what we had for breakfast that morning, and so on and so forth. This is often referred to as a ‘brain freeze’ and is perfectly normal, although somewhat irritating. Unfortunately, when a woman goes through “the change”, her memory can suffer and ‘brain freezes’ can become a much more regular occurrence. Recollection of information that they have just been told will quickly be forgotten, and she won’t recall telling somebody a certain piece of information so will tell them again just five minutes later.

Five tips to retain information during menopause:

Once a woman had recognized that she is suffering from an unusual number of memory lapses, then it becomes a good time to give advice about how to avoid them. It can be a very frustrating symptom of menopause, but overlooked as a severe problem by so many. Follow these tips and you will soon find that you are retaining more information and eliminating memory lapses entirely:

Pay more attention.

Your attention span may have suffered as a result of menopause so this may be more difficult than in seems but it is vital that you listen to the information you are being told. You can’t retain new information if your brain hasn’t the opportunity to encode it in the first place. It will take the brain eight seconds of intense concentration to process the information as a short term memory.

Use all your senses & be organized.

You are much more likely to remember information if you use as many of your senses as possible. The majority of information that women will forget during menopause has been conveyed to them in visual or audio form. If you write the information down, or even relate it to a smell, then you will have more chance of recalling it later on, because you will have helped to imprint the information in your brain.

Use old information to retain new.

Use old knowledge to help you maintain new knowledge. You will just be adding to information that is already stored rather than creating a new memory. Alternatively, use old knowledge to make connections to new memories. For example, if you want to remember a new address, then make a point of connecting that new address with a location nearby that you are already aware of.

Be organized

This tip is simple. Use diaries and written notes to remind you of important dates, meetings etc.

Do brain exercises.

Doing brain exercises will help curb memory lapses because they keep the brain working. Any exercise that stimulates the brain will be effective. Try crosswords, Sudoku puzzles, or a game of scrabble for example. Alternatively, try sensory or neurobic games. These can be as simple as trying to brush your teeth with your other hand, or getting dressed with your eyes shut, which encourages your brain to work in unusual ways.

Recommendation:

Studies suggest that women who are nearing, or already experiencing menopause are 95% more likely to suffer with memory lapses than other females. The memory lapses are caused by an imbalance of hormones, but can be prevented if certain measures are taken. Follow this link to find out more information about memory lapses and why they happen.