7 Reasons Why It Is Convenient To Train Our Memory
Who hasn’t lost their keys, gotten the wrong time on an appointment, or forgotten someone’s birthday?
We all tend to experience these mistakes at some point and they are normal in more stressful periods, but it will be worrying if they occur frequently, we find it difficult to find a solution to them or they affect our personal, family and/or work life.
Aging is a process of general deterioration of the individual which involves a series of structural and functional changes such as the degeneration of brain tissues, the limitation of cell renewal or the slowing down of processes, which appear over time and are not a consequence of diseases or accidents.
This degeneration is not only due to the aging process focused on the biological, but also depends on other factors such as environmental, social and family, but especially the degree of stimulation received from these areas
Memory loss does not have to be pathological; Sometimes it appears even after the fifth decade of life, being a benign loss, although it is advisable to pay attention and consult with a specialist to rule out associated pathologies.
Stereotypes about old age can lead us to believe that memory problems are irremediable, but this belief is a serious mistake. Numerous studies show that It is possible to tackle memory problems through cognitive stimulation activities This is a health promotion strategy that helps promote active and healthy aging.
Aging has physical consequences (loss of balance, muscle tone and coordination, among others) and cognitive consequences (memory loss, mental slowness, difficulties in reasoning, etc.) that in turn cause a decrease in the quality of life and in the autonomy of the person, and associated emotional problems such as anxiety or depression may appear.
Life experiences have a very close relationship with deterioration The fact of having fragile health, poor education, the presence of some type of pathology or lack of motivation can be a reason for interference in the adequate manifestation of intellectual functions.
In a society where the population over 65 years of age has been increasing until it reaches 16%, in communities like Catalonia it becomes necessary multidisciplinary care that goes beyond medical or pharmacological intervention
Therapeutic intervention to strengthen memory
There are several ways in which memory can be trained through psychological intervention. For example, Psicotools, a psychology center in Gràcia-Vallcarca with a specialized service in Neuropsychology, works with an area specialized in neuropsychology directed by the neuropsychologist Elba Egea Senabre and from which they offer cognitive stimulation, based on the activation of different functions such as attention, memory, language, reasoning or orientation
Brain stimulation can be carried out both with daily activities (reading books, dancing, board games or building puzzles), as well as by attending specific cognitive training workshops, where exercises, games and debates are proposed according to the profile of the brain. the participants, who awaken their curiosity by presenting them with challenges
7 reasons to start cognitive stimulation training
The benefits of training their memory and other cognitive functions for older adults are widely known. Let’s see what they are.
1. Prevent cognitive decline and neurodegenerative diseases
People with some type of cognitive impairment who participate in cognitive stimulation workshops They maintain their cognitive abilities for longer, avoiding their rapid degeneration and delaying or maintaining the progression of neurodegenerative diseases.
2. Improvement in cognitive functioning
Train cognitive functions such as our attention, memory, reasoning, problem solving, decision making or visual perception in a workshop. keeps our brain awake and this makes it easier for us to function better in our environment.
3. Improves mood
Factors such as having an occupation, motivation, social ties or having a space of trust where one can express opinions and experiences without being judged will promote the person’s emotional well-being.
4. Increase socialization and circle of friends
Isolation is very common among older people due to the loss of friends, changes of residence or affectation of the emotional state.
Belonging to a group of people with whom you have common characteristics and share moments of inspiration and learning helps create social bonds and generates a feeling of well-being and security.
5. Strengthens and increases self-esteem
The reasons that undermine the self-esteem of our elders are diverse: loss of abilities, greater dependency, change of residence, loss of friends or spouse, etc… In the workshop we give prominence to each of the participants, giving value to their experiences and achievements, helping them stay active and encouraging their decision making.
6. Increases your own autonomy
Trusting them and letting them carry out their daily activities, always maintaining their safety, is vital to strengthening their autonomy. Even if it is more slowly or with supervision, if necessary, It is positive that they are the ones who carry out the activities or at least the parts they are capable of doing.
From the workshop, the maintenance of cognitive functions in turn entails greater autonomy in daily routines working for example on the sequencing of putting on a washing machine or organizing a trip.
7. Avoid stress caused by cognitive decline
Seeing our cognitive functions diminished, as well as the difficulties that these entail in our daily lives, generates helplessness and frustration in the person that can lead to irritability, behavioral problems or even depression. Seeking help and starting stimulation that helps stop this deterioration is a first step Performing cognitive stimulation stimulates the brain areas responsible for experiencing emotions such as empathy, satisfaction or joy.
Concluding
I highly recommend the decision to have a healthy lifestyle, exercising regularly and doing quality cognitive stimulation It is never too late to set goals that benefit our body.
Remembering Lao Tzu, “A journey of a thousand miles begins with a first step.”
Author: Elba Egea Senabre, neuropsychologist, head of the Neuropsychology area of Psicotools.
