Over the last few months there has been an exposition in new Alzheimer’s research has been astounding. As the populate gets older, there is going to be a natural increase in of diseases that affect seniors. Researchers have identified genes and proteins that can be early signals that a person has the potential for developing Alzheimer’s and brain scans that can predict dementia.

The other important advancement has been the change in the diagnosis guidelines for Alzheimer’s disease. In April, the National Institute on Aging and Alzheimer’s Association changed their diagnosis guidelines for the first time in nearly 30 years. They now break Alzheimer’s into three distinct stages. This shift will help with early identification and guide treatment before the disease can get out of hand.

Historically, Alzheimer’s has started when an individual starts showing signs of memory loss but can still function without incident. During this stage someone might have laps in short or long term memory or become distracted before snapping back. These events are often few and far between and go unidentified as any other than old age. However, chemical changes have already started taking place in the brain. At this point there is fewer treatment options has already begun. Medical researchers have only found ways to delay full blow dementia not stop it. » Read more: New Advancements in Alzheimer’s Research Positive for Baby Boomers

Do Not Be Alarmed.

As people begin to have more and more incidences of memory loss, we begin to grow more and more worried. However, there is probably no need for alarm. Fortunately, there are many ways in which we can exercise our memory, rather than simply accepting an ailing memory as simple fact.

Regardless of age, or stage of life, there are many methods that are effective for all peoples that can be incorporated into any lifestyle. The busy professional twenty-something, or the homemaking parent can both benefit equally.

Things We Forget.

The brain is a complex organ, and it stores different types of information in its different parts. We store countless bits of information in our brains, and we expect all of the information to be available at a moment’s notice: telephone numbers, birthdays, appointments. Unfortunately, at times our memories are unable to immediately drudge up the information we are looking for.

Often times, the things we forget are pesky, but don’t necessarily disrupt our life on a large scale. For instance, one might end up looking for the coffee cup that they are drinking out of, or search for the pen that is actually in one’s pocket. This is inconvenient, but other times, we forget bigger things like the birthday of a spouse, or appointment that we’ve been waiting for.

What You Can Do.

The neighbors might wonder what you are doing when they see you with an X drawn on your hand, or when they notice the knot you sometimes wear in a handkerchief. But looking a little funny every now and again might be worthwhile. These strategies, or other ones (that more specifically fit your personal needs) could be an effective way to your improved memory. » Read more: How To Improve Your Memory By Changing Your Daily Habits