Common lifestyle mistakes affect our memory

Experts believe our daily habits - eating, exercising, and working style could be affecting our memory in significant ways. A study by researchers at the University of California, Los Angeles (UCLA) believes that depression, low levels of education, physical inactivity and high blood pressure increased the likelihood of memory complaints in younger adults.
The study says that if one is depressed, not getting exercise or has high blood pressure, they may find themselves complaining about memory problems. It is possible to improve your brain health and even utilise your brain better with just a few healthy changes to your lifestyle.
Dr. P.P. Ashok, Consultant Neurologist and Head, Division of Neurology at P.D Hinduja Hospital & MRC, Mumbai, said, “More than a hundred million neurons with billions of connections are found in our brain. However, more than 90 per cent of the brain is not utilised by us. We use only 10 per cent of the brain. Therefore, by using your brain by exercising your brain, you can decrease the 90 per cent and make sure a healthy young person utilises more than 10 per cent of the brain.”
Consumption of sugary drinks can increase the risk of dementia in even people without diabetes. Refined carbs, saturated fats and highly processed foods have a negative impact on memory. Meanwhile, foods like turmeric, coffee, freshwater salmon are types that improve brain functioning.
Increased screen time could be affecting your memory more than you think. Excessive screen time can hinder the alertness of the brain and our capacity to think and imagine which could be affecting our memory. Activities like reading a book, solving crosswords, and exercising can help keep your mind alert. A balanced diet involving foods from all groups, regular physical activity, sound sleep, reading, and brain exercises could work wonders for your brain function and memory.