Dear Dr. Michelle,
Does exercise prevent memory loss?
Regular exercise can have a positive effect on memory as well as other thinking skills, such as attention and decision-making. Whether you’ve been a lifetime exerciser, or are just starting to get out for daily walks, your brain stands to benefit from a cardiovascular fitness routine. Exercise promotes healthy brain aging and may help slow the progression of cognitive symptoms in people diagnosed with an age-related cognitive disorder.
Exercising increases blood flow and helps to maintain connections between brain cells. Regular exercise also reduces the risk of diabetes, cardiovascular disease, depression, stress, and sleep disorders. Better brain health is the result.
The amount and type of exercise needed to reap brain health benefits varies by individual. Even small steps in the right direction help. Always check with your doctor before starting a new exercise routine or one that is overly strenuous. Find your “sweet spot” and enjoy it.
Dear Dr. Michelle,
I’m 62 and having a hard time coming up with words. Is this normal or should I be concerned?
We’ve probably all had that moment (or two!) when we couldn’t come up with the word we wanted. This may become more noticeable in the 50s through the 60s and then continue more gradually. For many, “word-finding difficulties” can be part of the normal aging process, especially if you’re able to recall the word later and if the struggle to find the right word doesn’t interfere with communication. Having a more extensive vocabulary is an advantage because of a larger bank of words to choose from in a pinch.
Word-finding difficulties can also be a sign of aphasia, the language deficit that can accompany different types of dementia. Since it can be very difficult to detect differences between normal aging and a possible underlying process, particularly when symptoms are mild, I always recommend professional guidance. If in doubt, check it out!
Speak to your health care provider about your concern. Consider a cognitive or speech evaluation. If you find out that symptoms are related to age, this will help alleviate concern. If a problem is identified, you will be in a position to learn more about the underlying cause and what can be done about it. Working with the right specialist will help you feel more in control and likely lead to better outcomes.
*Michelle Papka, Ph.D. is the Founder of The Cognitive and Research Center of New Jersey (The CRCNJ) in Springfield, NJ. The mission of The CRCNJ is to provide no-cost diagnostic, treatment and supportive resources through clinical research opportunities to people affected by Alzheimer’s disease and other cognitive disorders.
