It is a modern myth that says that as we get older, our memory starts to go. Of course there are people for whom this is true. But it’s not a fact of life that you have to just accept. I know many people that are in there 70’s, 80’s and even 90’s, whose memory is sharp and focused. Even their ability to pay attention is still quite strong and vibrant.
There are cases where people develop memory loss as a result of degenerative brain changes. My father, before his passing, had a mini-stroke and developed a slow and steady decline of dementia. There are many different factors and conditions that are associated with memory loss, both long term and short term memory.
One strong association that exists with memory loss is a high level of cortisol. Cortisol is a hormone that is secreted increasingly with chronic stress. It helps to break down substances in the body to make available the building blocks of cellular repair along with energy production.
As with most things, cortisol in short bursts is healthy. However if left unchecked, it can wreak havoc on the immune system, blood sugar and memory. So anything that can help decrease chronically high levels of cortisol in our bodies can help protect the health of our cells, including memory cells in the brain.
Studies have shown that heart-based coherence practices can help decrease cortisol levels as well as promoting the secretion of another hormone called DHEA. Low levels of DHEA are associated with problems such as memory loss, fatigue, low libido, osteoporosis and erectile dysfunction in men.
So by using heart-based coherence practices, you can lower your cortisol levels and increase your levels of DHEA. One study showed that by practicing heart-based coherence, people in the study decreased their overall cortisol levels by 23% and concurrently they were also able to increase their DHEA levels by 100%.
Another study showed that with increased coherence from heart-based practices, patients decreased the levels of amyloid-beta and tau proteins in their blood – both of which are linked to Alzheimer’s.
Memory loss and cognitive decline are not a given as you age. If you address your levels of cortisol and DHEA for example, you can strengthen your memory and keep your brain cells healthier as you age.
On Thursday May 29th we’ll be holding our complimentary Coherence workshop where you’ll be able to learn these heart-based coherence practices. To learn more or to register, contact Ceci at frontdesk@thehappyspine.ca.