Confusion, Memory Loss, and Altered Alertness

You can sometimes reduce the impact of age-related memory problems. The saying "use it or lose it" applies to your memory. Your best defense against a memory problem is to stay healthy and fit.

• Eat a Reference balanced diet Opens New Window Reference Opens New Window. A balanced, low-fat diet with ample sources of Reference vitamins B12 Opens New Window and Reference folate Opens New Window will help protect your Reference nervous system Opens New Window.
• Drink plenty of water. This helps to prevent Reference dehydration Opens New Window, which can cause confusion and memory problems. For more information, see the topic Reference Dehydration.
• Get plenty of rest. Being tired can impair your memory.
• Do not smoke or use other tobacco products. Tobacco products decrease blood flow to the brain, raise blood pressure, and increase your risk of stroke. For more information, see the topic Reference Quitting Smoking.
• Exercise regularly. Regular exercise can improve the blood flow to your brain. For more information, see the topic Reference Fitness.
• Reduce your stress. Being anxious can impair your memory. For more information, see the topic Reference Stress Management.
• Socialize with family and friends. Research has shown that people who regularly get together with family or friends are less likely to lose mental function. Socializing also helps you stay connected with your community.
• Try to learn new things. This may help increase your attention span and ability to focus.
• Play stimulating mind games, such as Scrabble, or do a crossword puzzle or word jumble.
• Limit your alcohol intake, and do not use illegal drugs such as cocaine, crack, or amphetamines. For more information, see the topic Reference Alcohol and Drug Problems.
• Decrease your use of nonprescription medicines. Overuse of medicines may be the single biggest cause of memory loss or confusion in older adults.
• Keep your blood pressure at or below 130/85 millimeters of mercury (mm Hg). Untreated high blood pressure can cause memory problems and affect problem-solving abilities. If you have been diagnosed with high blood pressure, take your medicines as directed. For more information, see the topic Reference High Blood Pressure.
• Seek treatment for Reference depression Opens New Window if you think that you may be depressed. Memory loss may be a symptom of depression. For more information, see the topic Reference Feeling Depressed.

Prevent accidents and injuries that might lead to memory problems.

• Wear your seat belt when you are traveling in a motor vehicle.
• Do not use alcohol or other drugs before participating in sports or when operating an automobile or other equipment.
• Wear a helmet and other protective clothing whenever you are biking, motorcycling, skating, skate boarding, kayaking, horseback riding, skiing, snowboarding, or rock climbing.
• Wear a hard hat if you work in a construction job or in an industrial area.
• Do not dive into shallow or unfamiliar water.
• Reference Prevent falls in your home by removing hazards that might cause a fall.
• Do not keep firearms in your home. If you must keep firearms, lock them up and store them unloaded and uncocked. Lock ammunition in a separate area.

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This information does not replace the advice of a doctor. Healthwise, Incorporated disclaims any warranty or liability for your use of this information. Your use of this information means that you agree to the Reference Terms of Use. Reference How this information was developed to help you make better health decisions.