Don't let memory go out along with 'auld lang syne'

Should auld acquaintance be forgot,
and never brought to mind?
Should auld acquaintance be forgot,
and auld lang syne?

Some of us might prefer to ignore Robert Burns' advice if 2015 held memories they'd prefer to "be forgot," but aging another year can bring more worries that we can't remember the things we want to.

Forgetting the name of a favorite actor, a recent acquaintance or other details might not be something to worry about, but if you can't remember how to run a microwave or directions to a friend's house, you might have cause for concern.

Dr. Kirk Daffner of Brigham and Women's Hospital in Boston told NPR that it's quite common, after age 50, t0 have trouble remembering names of people, places and things quickly.

That's because the brain ages just like the rest of the body, shrinking and sagging and suffering from reduced blood flow.

But don't assume the worst just because you're having trouble remembering things.

Instead of dementia or Alzheimer's disease, your memory loss may be caused by sleep apnea, high blood pressure, depression, antidepressants or even over-the-count antihistamines.

Check with your doctor to make sure there's not some underlying condition that might be causing memory problems.

Regardless your mental abilities, there's no reason you should let your brain go flabby.

"Read books, go to movies that challenge, take on new hobbies or activities that force one to think in novel ways," Daffner said.

Learn how to use mnemonic devices to improve your memory, such acronyms (PUG for "pick up grapes," visualizations such as an image of a tooth to remember your dentists's appointment, rhymes to remember names, breaking information into easy-to-remember "chunks," and other tricks.

If you haven't already burned through your New Years resolutions, consider exercise on your list -- it's a known brain booster.

Make sure you eat plenty of fresh fruits and vegetables, healthy oils and foods like curry, celery, broccoli, cauliflower and walnuts, which are high in antioxidants.

Check out the Celebrity Cipher, crossword and Sudoku in the Gazette, and consider online brain exercise sites like Lumosity (lumosity.com).

Get together with family and friends for regular card games or board games, and concentrate on that favorite hobby or take up a new one that really means something to you.

With a little effort, and perhaps a little medical help, there's no reason "auld lang syne" will be forgot as 2017 rolls in.