AARP checklist can help postpone onset of dementia, Alzheimer's

• Talk to anyone over a certain age and they will joke about senior moments - lapses in memory.
• Underlying the humor is a fear of developing Alzheimer's disease or senile dementia.
• Their concern isn't unfounded, because nearly 5 percent of people aged 65 and older (and a much larger proportion over 80) do get Alzheimer's.
• However, there is mounting evidence that memory lapses don't necessarily foreshadow dementia, and that doing mind aerobics can reduce the risk.
• 1. Exercise regularly: Studies have shown that aerobic fitness may reduce the loss of brain tissue common in aging.
• 2. Stick to a healthy diet: Avoid sugar and saturated fat.
• And eat lots of antioxidant-rich fruits and vegetables such as blueberries, spinach and beets.
• The magnesium found in dark green, leafy vegetables appears to help maintain memory.
• 3. Learn new things: Mastering activities you've never done before, such as playing the piano or learning a foreign language, stimulates neuron activity.
• 4. Get enough sleep: Too little sleep impairs concentration.
• 5. Devise memory strategies: Make notes or underline key passages to help you remember what you've read.
• Invent mnemonics formulas to help you remember things.
• 6. Socialize: Conversation, especially positive, meaningful interaction, helps maintain brain function.
• 7. Get organized: Designate a place for important items such as keys and checkbooks.
• Keep checklists for things such as daily medications or items to pack when you travel.
• 8. Turn off the tube: Experts say too much TV watching weakens brain power.
• 9. Jot down new information: Writing helps transfer items from short to long-term memory.
• 10. Solve brainteasers: Crossword puzzles, card games and board games such as Scrabble improve your memory.