Memory Changes
True or false: Stress contributes to forgetfulness
What is true?
This type of diet has been linked to lower memory-related diseases.
What is the Mediterranean diet?
Taking breaks, reducing multitasking, and using checklists help manage this common cognitive complaint.
What is brain fog?
Older adults often sleep less _(1)__ and wake more _(2)__ during the night.
What is (1)deeply; (2)often?
The ideal nap length for restoring alertness without disrupting nighttime sleep is how many minutes?
What is 20–30 minutes?
Repeatedly asking the same question and getting lost in familiar places may indicate this condition.
What are concerning memory changes (possible dementia/Alzheimer’s)?
True or False: Only mental activities matter for maintaining memory; physical exercise is not important.
False
True or False: Physical health and brain health are deeply connected.
True.
Consistent routines with nutrition, exercise, and rest support both brain and this overall health.
What is cognitive health?
Longer naps or naps late in the day may disrupt nighttime ___?
What is sleep?
True or False: Everyone with MCI ("Mild Cognitive Impairment") will eventually develop Alzheimer’s disease.
False
This type of activity — such as painting or learning an instrument — can maintain memory across life.
What are hobbies / trying new hobbies?
Sleep hygiene is an example of a strategy to help with what kind of cognitive function?
What is cognitive performance?
These two stages of sleep are critical for processing information and memory.
What are deep sleep and REM sleep?
(Deep sleep: occurs 30-45 mins after falling asleep and are essential for physical/muscle repair and tissue growth, and also information processing)
(REM sleep: occurs 90 mins after falling asleep and aids memory, emotional regulation and cognitive function)
Short naps also improve this aspect of brain function.
What is memory?
It’s normal to forget things occasionally at any age, but this condition describes being more forgetful than peers without severe impairment.
MCI (Mild Cognitive Impairment)
Making rhymes, acronyms, or word associations are examples of this memory strategy.
What are mnemonics?
Education, complex work, and stimulating hobbies build this “reserve.”
What is cognitive reserve?
Name one healthy sleep hygiene practice.
What is maintaining a consistent routine (exercise, nutrition, or sleep schedule)?
True or False: A nap should always last longer than 1 hour for full benefit.
False.
Memory decline that interferes with daily life typically requires evaluation for what disease?
What is Alzheimer’s disease (or dementia)?
Exercise supports memory by improving this body system’s function.
What is cardiovascular function (blood flow to the brain)?
The concept that the brain can recruit alternative pathways to slow decline is called what?
What is cognitive flexibility / resilience?
If confusion or memory lapses interfere with daily life, what should an older adult do?
What is speak to a healthcare provider?
Besides naps, name one other strategy that supports both sleep and cognition in aging adults.
What is exercise, consistent routine, or healthy diet?