Tony Kelly resident Diabetes expert
Everyone has moments of forgetfulness from time to time which is completely normal and should not be cause for concern even though it can be frustrating. Memory loss especially short term happens as we start getting older and is a way of life associated with our mental faculties. The brain and its ability to function slows down during the aging process.
One might hear of people being referred to as having a razor-sharp mind while others are described as mentally alert with all their cognitive factors. Living a stress-free life if possible which is hard to accomplish these days is therefore of paramount importance.
Most people as they get older have experienced mental or brain fog which is not a medical condition but a cloudy-heady feeling. It is characterized by confusion, forgetfulness and a lack of focus and mental clarity. I remember whilst training as a teacher at Mico Teachers’ College in Jamaica back in the seventies Miss Morgan the psychology lecturer taught us about attention and retention span amongst children whose brains were not fully developed at that stage.
I vividly recall the days of my early childhood being sent to the shop in Whitehall, St. Thomas to buy items and being told that I have a young brain and must be able to remember the few items without writing them on a piece of paper. In order not to forget I developed a habit of repeating them out loud whilst going to the shop as there would be trouble ahead if I returned without any. Pardon the pun but precious memories how they linger spring to mind!!
The food we eat plays an important role in keeping our brain healthy and can improve specific mental tasks such as memory and concentration. Oily fish, turmeric, blueberries, broccoli, dark chocolate made with over 70% cocoa, nuts, oranges, eggs and green tea are some that will assist in that regard. Eating less added sugar is vital in terms of brain care and function and is drinking water in order to keep hydrated.
It is amazing how the human brain works as it remains even more powerful than a computer. I remember my great aunt Mrs. Watson as a primary school teacher giving me the longest poem to learn for Sunday School concerts and fund-raising rallies and by the next day I was able to recite it by heart. Certainly, I would not be in a position to do that now. During my childhood one would often hear adults referring to ‘having a senior moment’ when someone forgot what they were about to say or do. To reiterate it is a natural part of the aging process.
Having mentioned the consumption of oily fish earlier I must hasten to add that I am not referring to the British fish and chips fried with batter and a lot of oil as that should be a treat probably thrice a year!!!
The brain needs to be stimulated by doing quizzes, brain teasers, crossword puzzles, sudoku and word games as well as the reading of books. Alongside these, other forms of physical activity such as dance, yoga, walking, swimming, tai chi, meditation/relaxation as well as deep breathing exercises allow oxygen to flow to the brain and by so doing relieve stress. One must never forget the power of music and singing which are therapeutic and sleeping allows the brain to rest like any other organ of the human body. Even a cat’s nap, forty winks or siesta during the day is good for one’s mental health and brain.
Straining the eyes for lengthy periods on a computer, iPad, tablet, mobile phone or other electronic devices is no good for the brain and one must have rest periods in that regard. Recharging the batteries (the brain) so to speak, so put down those gadgets for a while.
Watching quiz shows on television sometimes some of the simplest answers are missed by the contestants as the brain temporarily freezes and us sitting in the comfort of our home think that the person who is answering under pressure is not bright. If one has a degree of empathy one would realize it is much harder under that pressure to always come up with the right answer. How many times has something been on the tip of ones’ tongue in our everyday life and it refuses to trip off so to speak?
Ones long term memory is often extremely good in comparison to short term memory. Aids and adaptations both visually and audibly can be put in place to assist people in managing their memory loss and by so doing make them less stressed and concerned as worrying unnecessarily only exacerbates the situation.
The first point of reference if one has any concerns about theirs, a relative/friend/colleague or loved one’s memory is to make an appointment with the doctor who can in turn refer the person to a memory specialist for a series of tests.
That brings me to the exciting Turning Point art and Black heritage project with Crowd Funding for learning, well-being and dementia support nationwide that Tony Thompson and Rebecca Goldstone have set up with the full backing and support of the Arts Council. Please click on the link to donate whatever you can afford. https://www.crowdfunder.co.uk/p/turning-point-1
There is a £5,000 target and 31days left to reach it. This project will only be funded if at least £5,000 is pledged by 2nd August 2022 at 12:00pm to match what the Arts Council have given so I urge readers to lend their support.
Please click and donate and to use two well-known proverbs ‘Every mickle mek a muckle’ or ‘One, one coco full basket.’
London born Tony Kelly of Jamaican parents grew up in Jamaica and returned to live in Birmingham in 1979.
He is a graduate of Mico Teachers’ College and taught in Kingston high schools prior to working for 30+ years as a middle manager in central and local government with an emphasis on equity, equality, diversity and inclusion. He has a masters’ degree in socio-legal studies from the university of Birmingham.
For over a decade Tony has volunteered as a diabetes ambassador firstly for Diabetes UK and now for the National Health Service - Birmingham and Solihull Clinical Commissioning Group. A multi-award winner doing a yearly average of 150 health and well-being events, locally, nationally and internationally focusing on type 2 diabetes. He was diagnosed with this medical condition 18 years ago. However with a combination of physical activity and diet he has never taken medication thus proving with the right mindset and discipline it can be achieved.
As a diabetes advocate/activist Tony will continue delivering the message of healthy options to readers of CaribDirect.com .
