Remember These Signs of Failing Memory

Do you suspect that a memory problem has developed for you – or someone in your life? While it’s normal to sometimes forget where you put your car keys, be alert for the signs that something more serious is occurring. It may be time to consult a healthcare professional if:

Memory loss is disrupting daily life. If tasks that used to be routine, such as balancing a checkbook or bathing, become difficult, action should be taken.

Lapses are becoming more frequent. It isn’t normal to forget where you parked every day, or to forget appointments over and over.

You easily forget well-known things. Forgetting the name of a close friend or relative could be significant. Other potential tip-offs of trouble could be forgetting entire conversations, frequently repeating yourself or asking the same questions more than once in the same conversation.

There are signs of confusion.  As I’ve been writing in the VitaJournal for years, memory, energy and mental clarity are key benefits of supplementing with TriVita Sublingual B-12. More recently, a growing body of research has linked an actual reduction in the size of our brains to low levels of B-12. That loss of volume, along with inflammation, is the enemy of a fully-functioning, full-sized brain. Of course, that’s where the anti-inflammatory benefits of Nopalea™ combine with Sublingual B-12 for a powerful combination.

Brain erosion, B-12 and inflammation
Our brains do become smaller over time. Normally, this loss of volume begins after age 30; after age 50, it can become severe. In fact, some 25% of our brain volume can erode by age 60, and this may have to do with our inability to absorb Vitamin B-12 as we age. Studies have indicated that the people with the highest level of B-12 in their bloodstreams have the lowest level of brain erosion. So, this is a good indicator that a relationship exists between low brain volume and low levels of B-12, (and higher brain volume is linked with higher levels of B-12).

What’s more, with people who are clinically diagnosed with cognitive (mental) decline, research has shown that sudden, profound memory loss often is directly tied to brain inflammation. In one of the fastest-rising brain conditions affecting mental function, there are three characteristic aspects. People can retain normal mental function if they have two of these aspects – but sudden, severe memory loss is triggered only when inflammation, the third aspect, is present.

With people living longer lives we have seen a significant increase in our lifetime in the number of people suffering from mental decline. What is of equal concern is that often we see people being stricken at younger and younger ages. We know there is a direct correlation between B-12 levels and mental decline, and also a link between brain inflammation and mental decline. So now you can understand why, along with Sublingual B-12, Nopalea, which helps the body reduce inflammation, can be so vital to preserving and maintaining brain health.

In addition, as my colleague at TriVita, Chief Science Officer Brazos Minshew points out, we can’t ignore the role that Omega-3 essential fatty acids play in brain health. In fact, just about half of our brains are made of Omega-3, so it’s important to make sure that we get enough of this “good” fat through healthy eating and supplementation. I suggest TriVita’s OmegaPrime.

Remember: when memory seems to be failing, consult your healthcare provider. And consider TriVita Sublingual B-12 and Nopalea together as important steps toward helping you be sharp – and to stay that way.