When faced with the first memory lapses (forgot the name of an actor, the right word, where you put your keys), an anxious thought usually arises: "Well, here we go." And behind it comes the desire to "feed" your brain something to make it work better.
And immediately come to mind the stories of acquaintances about miraculous supplements and pills that instantly made everything work wonders. And if there are no such acquaintances, you can ask a search engine what to drink when memory fails — it definitely knows. And it's good if the recommended remedies don't make things worse.
According to psychiatrist Alexander Meshcheryakov, the only thing you can drink to improve brain function is plain water. Dehydration is the main enemy of cognitive functions.
"The brain is 80% water. A lack of fluid instantly affects concentration and memory. Coffee and alcohol dehydrate. You need water," Alexander Meshcheryakov explained in his Telegram channel.
As the doctor notes, "memory pills" will be useless without a change in lifestyle; it's like watering an artificial flower.
"The brain is not an engine that you can fill with motor oil for power. It is a complex ecosystem," the doctor emphasized.
The psychiatrist named four more remedies for improving memory that actually work, and this has been proven by scientists.
1. Sleep
According to the doctor, for the brain, this is maintenance. During your sleep, the brain continues to work, getting rid of toxic proteins and organizing the information received throughout the day. If you regularly lack sleep, memory gaps are guaranteed.
2. Movement
The doctor calls physical activity "legal doping" for the brain and "the most underrated nootropic." Sometimes, simply walking more every day is enough.
"When you move, blood flow increases, and the brain receives more oxygen and nutrients. But the main thing is that BDNF (brain-derived neurotrophic factor) is produced. It acts like fertilizer for your neurons. It makes them grow and create new connections," the specialist clarifies.
3. Meditation
Alexander Meshcheryakov compared it to "upgrading the operating system." It helps increase the density of gray matter in the hippocampus — the key memory center, reduce the level of cortisol — the stress hormone harmful to neural connections, and strengthen the prefrontal cortex, which is responsible for concentration and control.
4. Training
And it's not about crosswords. According to the psychiatrist, novelty and complexity are beneficial for the brain.
"Learn a new skill — guitar, programming, mindfulness practices. Change your routes. Make your brain really work hard. Discomfort is a sign of growth," advised Alexander Meshcheryakov.
By the way
It is known that one of the most common forms of dementia — Alzheimer's disease — is associated with memory loss. However, it often starts with other symptoms.
The first symptom of the disease in an elderly person is often not memory impairment, but a loss of interest in the surrounding reality, hobbies, and certain pastimes.
