Expert: Michalene Peticca - 5/1/2008

Question
Hi there,
I don't have or know anyone with Alzheimer's, but I'd like to know how to prevent it and also, more generally speaking- how can I improve my memory and recall (there was no section for this in allexperts that I could locate).
We live in such an over-information stressful society, that I can read read read all day but am i really learning if I can't recall or communicate anything I just "learned?"
It scares me and I need to improve this for work and other areas of life. I blank fairly often...and I'm terrified I will do this in the heat of the moment during a meeting, forgetting someone's name when introducing them to someone else, stuff like that keeps me in fear.
Thanks for any tips and strategies in advance!
Regards,
Aly

Answer
Hi Aly,

Thank you for writing.   Your questions are relevent to probably 99% of the population and let's start off by saying, "Don't worry, your probably normal".

That said, you are indeed correct that we are in an "overload" of information with our society.  You have to analyze in what setting are you trying to learn?  Do you have a quiet area to learn?...and i mean quiet...like all by yourself and NO noise from a T.V., radio, etc. etc.  Sometimes i just had to drive to a park and sit in my car with all the windows up just to read...but, it worked.   How much do you "allow" yourself to be interrupted?   

Anyway, there are very good books on improving your memory in the library ...get off the internet...another technology device....go check out one or two and read them.  

The other cause of memory loss in "normal folks" is stress.  Your going to have to simplify your life further.  What can you cut out?  An hour of TV a day?  An Hour off the internet?  Why do any of us have to be available on text messaging and cell phones?  Believe me...we did just fine without them...the world still evolved.

In the meantime, i suggest taking Vitamin B 100, eating more proteins and vegetables.  Drink more water and less alcohol.  AND, get plenty of sleep.   You'll find, you'll easily remember people's names and actually ENJOY yourself when your at a meeting.   

Remember...KEEP IT SIMPLE and RELAX....the world will still be around long after we are gone...we don't need to solve the whole puzzle...just be yourself.

Best Regards!
Michalene Peticca, M.A.