1 in 5 U.S. Seniors Struggles With Memory Lapses

Colin Milner, chief executive officer of the International Council on Active Aging, thinks the fast pace of modern life may contribute to memory problems among seniors.

"If you take your time, you will find that there are a lot of things you can do without losing your edge," he said. "We get so busy that some of the symptoms that are associated with memory loss are also associated with a fast-paced lifestyle," he said.

Milner thinks the key to aging well is finding balance in your life. "We don't take the time to really enjoy experiences, books or the newspaper," he said. "Slow down and take in what's around you. When you do that, you'd be surprised at how much clearer everything is."

Milner also believes that keeping your mind active can help stave off cognitive decline. For example, he recommends playing "brain games," such as crossword puzzles

"If you can find a cognitive challenge on a regular basis that is fun and you enjoy doing, you can keep your mind sharp," Milner said. "Your brain is like your body -- use it or lose it."

More information

For more about memory, visit the U.S. National Library of Medicine.

SOURCES: Brenda Plassman, Ph.D., associate research professor of psychiatry, Duke University Medical Center, Durham, N.C.; Colin Milner, chief executive officer, International Council on Active Aging, Vancouver, British Columbia, Canada; March 18, 2008,Annals of Internal Medicine