Here's How You Can Reverse Memory Loss

Dementia is a loss of mental skills that affects our daily life. It can cause problems with memory and how well one can think, plan and execute. Usually dementia gets worse with time but how long this takes is different for each person. Some people stay the same for years. Others lose skills quickly.

According to a recent study, prolonged low-dose treatment with a marijuana (gaanja in Hindi) compound may help reverse memory loss and improve cognitive skills, a finding that could pave the way for slowing brain ageing or treating dementia in humans. According to the study, the brain ages much faster when mice do not possess any functional receptors for tetrahydrocannabinol, or THC - the chemical responsible for most of marijuana's psychological effects. However, treatment with THC imitates the effect of cannabinoids produced naturally in the body, which fulfil important functions in the brain.

"With increasing age, the quantity of the cannabinoids naturally formed in the brain reduces. When the activity of the cannabinoid system declines, we find rapid ageing in the brain," said Andreas Zimmer, professor at the University of Bonn in Germany.

The researchers administered a small quantity of THC to mice aged two, 12 and 18 months over a period of four weeks. The results revealed that the cognitive functions of the older mice were just as good as the two-month-old mice.

As a next step, the researchers want to conduct a clinical trial to investigate whether THC also reverses ageing processes in the brain in humans and can increase cognitive ability.

Although there are no guarantees when it comes to preventing memory loss or dementia, certain activities might help. Here are some tips that may help:

• Stay mentally active - mentally stimulating activities help keep the brain agile and help keep memory loss at bay. Activities like crossword puzzles, sudoku etc are good for sharpening the brain.
• Socialize regularly - social interaction helps ward off depression and stress, both of which can contribute to memory loss. Create opportunities to meet up with people.
• Eat healthy - a healthy diet is good for your brain so eat fruits, vegetables and whole grains.
• Be organized - jot down tasks, make a to-do list and maintain a calendar or planner.
• Limit distractions and don't do too many things at once. brain and keeps your memory sharp.
• Sleep well - sleep plays an important role in resting the mind and consolidate memories.new cures
• Physical activity - physical activity increases blood flow to your whole body, including your
• Manage chronic conditions - Take treatment for any underlying conditions like depression, high blood pressure, high cholesterol, diabetes etc.

(With inputs from IANS)

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