Problems with memory can manifest in many ways, such as problems remembering, speaking, thinking, or processing information. For decades, problems with memory were treated with a handful of a few different classes of medications. Today, we understand that the complexity associated with memory problems cannot be simply managed with a simple medication. Everything we eat, do, hear and see can affect the areas of our brains that control memory. At The Memory Center in Englewood, we pride ourselves on our ability to challenge assumptions and implement treatment in an open-minded, novel way. We are experts in combining medical therapy with a myriad of other therapeutic modalities in a fully personalized manner.
We know that what we eat affects us. Our food selection affects our energy, mood, sleep and even memory. Research has shown that there are foods that can maximize memory function. Optimizing our dietary fats and focusing on plant foods, rich in nutrients that are good for brain health, could significantly improve our memories. Our staff is expertly trained to help you make dietary choices that can optimize your memory.
Music has a strong emotional power. Think of your favorite song; even the thought alone can transport you to a different place. The long-term memories associated with music are deeply ingrained in a person’s brain. When a person has memory problems, there are areas in the brain that are not working well. Music has been shown to act as a bridge between these areas, thereby improving cognitive function. We place a strong emphasis on combining music therapy with other treatment options for problems with memory.
Memory problems can sometimes lead to problems sleeping. This occurs because the body’s biological clock, or circadian rhythm, can become disrupted. Light therapy, of which there are many kinds, has been shown in studies to regulate and restore the body’s natural clock. Studies also show that light therapy improves sleep, mood and decreases anxiety and wandering. We offer multiple types of light therapy in conjunction with other treatment options.
When a person has problems with memory, it is often because the parts of the brain that create and store memories are affected. Transcranial magnetic stimulation, or TMS, uses electromagnetic pulses to activate the affected brain areas in a painless, quick and noninvasive way. People we have treated with TMS have shown remarkable improvements in memory, mood and overall quality of life.
At the Memory Center, we understand the complexity of memory problems. Of course, there are medications that are commonly used to address memory problems. However, medicine alone is rarely, if ever, the only solution. We fully comprehend the challenges that come with having problems with memory or caring for someone with memory problems. Therefore, we seek to help people in any and every way possible, for instance, by guiding lifestyle habits such as sleep and diet. We incorporate the use of music, light therapy and noninvasive methods such as TMS. At the Memory Center, we think outside the box because life’s problems often don’t have simple solutions.
Call us at 201-947-4777, or visit MemoryCenter.Org for more information.
Dr. Jeff Shenfeld is the director of the Memory Center of Englewood.
