Memory Woes

In my last column (September 18) we discussed “bumps” and “breaks.” In short, life is full of bumps in our paths. Some are painful, others a nuisance but all play a role. We also get a few breaks now and then ranging from close calls to meaningful detours and unexpected opportunities.

Years ago “Senior Moments” was initiated by a friend who needed a column for a web page for seniors. The typical senior moment occurs when our memory system balks at inopportune times. Today we will embark on a journey of the brain.

A couple of years ago I had a conversation with my son about senior moments. Nothing terribly serious but at times either embarrassing or exasperating. At the time I was going through a struggle with ol' man Cancer and Scott rewarded me with a kit called “Brain Boot Camp: Boost Your IQ and Sharpen Your Memory in Only 7 Days.”

Only 7 days?!? Really? Not 70 days? Or 700? Well, I began, took the first few tests seriously and came to the conclusion that there was indeed room for improvement. But I set it aside and now picked it up again. Same thing. There is room for improvement. The preliminary tests revealed that the author, Tony Buzan, knew that, he said to keep a record because you will retake the test later in the course.

Since I haven't gotten that far, I cannot predict anything. But if and when I finish, I will report on what has happened. So, hang in there. Anyway, let me share the good news with you. If you suffer from senior moment, occasionally or regularly, Tony says there is hope. Here is what he says: “It's a complete misconception that your brain automatically deteriorates with age, and there is science to prove it.”

See, I told you so. There's more: “. . . you need to look after your brain, like any other part of your body . . . keep your brain agile and it will keep performing as well as you want it to . . . You will, in effect, be able to age-proof it indefinitely.”

Well. What do you know. Seven lessons, seven days followed by once a day for seven weeks. As mentioned, stay tuned. Maybe there is help after all for those pesky senior moments and other unpredictable occurrences.