Feeling forgetful? A lot of people think that absentmindedness is a normal part of the aging process. It's true that some short-term memory loss should be expected as you age, but it's also possible that your diabetes is playing a role.
High blood glucose can cause forgetfulness and confusion. Before you blame memory loss on your age, talk with your doctor about the possibility that your glucose levels are contributing to your memory problems. You can take steps to improve your glucose control, which might help you feel less fuzzy mentally.
If your blood glucose is in control, you can take action to keep your mind sharp. Crossword puzzles or games, such as Scrabble, chess, or bridge, actually can help your thinking process. Research has shown that bridge is especially helpful. Also, try to keep learning new things, like a new language or how to play a musical instrument. Every time you learn something new, you create pathways in your brain that improve your memory and increase your thinking power. And there's another important benefit: Learning new things adds enjoyment to your life!
Last Updated: 3/26/2007