Try to think of a strong memory of your childhood; chances are your earliest memories are from when you were very young. In fact, research has indicated that most people’s earliest memories, on average, date back to when they were 3½ years old. As you age and those memories collect, it’s an even further library index to retrieve them.

Everyone wants to preserve their memory as they age, and the good news is, studies indicate it can be done. Here are some tips from Healthline that could help preserve your memory as you age.

Eat Less Added Sugar

Eating too much added sugar has been linked to many health issues and chronic diseases, including cognitive decline. Research has shown that a sugar-laden diet can lead to poor memory and reduced brain volume, particularly in the area of the brain that stores short-term memory.

Try a Fish Oil Supplement

Fish oil is rich in the omega-3 fatty acids eicosapentaenoic acid (EPA) and docosahexaenoic acid (DHA). These fats are important for overall health and have been shown to lower the risk of heart disease, reduce inflammation, relieve stress and anxiety, and slow mental decline.

Maintain a Healthy Weight

Maintaining a healthy body weight is essential for well-being and is one of the best ways to keep your body and mind in top condition. Several studies have established obesity as a risk factor for cognitive decline. Interestingly, being obese can actually cause changes to memory-associated genes in the brain, negatively affecting memory.

Get Enough Sleep

Lack of proper sleep has been associated with poor memory for quite some time. Sleep plays an important role in memory consolidation, a process in which short-term memories are strengthened and transformed into long-lasting memories. Research shows that if you are sleep deprived, you could be negatively impacting your memory.

These are just some of the many ways to improve and preserve your memory as you age.

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Sources:
https://www.psychologytoday.com/us/blog/longing-nostalgia/201504/what-your-oldest-memories-reveal-about-you
https://www.healthline.com/nutrition/ways-to-improve-memory/