Among the major factors affecting memory, age, illness, and sleep are undoubtedly considered the "main killers." However, according to a report by Sing Tao Daily and Hong Kong Commercial Daily on October 9, dining out frequently can also lead to memory decline!
This conclusion comes from a survey conducted by the Hong Kong Memory Association between April and September. After interviewing 2,289 Hong Kong citizens aged 6 to 73, researchers found that about 40% of the respondents believed their memory was getting worse, 76.5% of people had at least one meal out daily, and one-third of them ate at least two meals in restaurants every day.
In sharp contrast, among the 4% who believed their memory had improved, over 41% of respondents ate all three meals at home daily, and nearly 35% ate at least two meals at home each day.
In this regard, Lam Kung-tung, the general secretary of the Hong Kong Memory Association, explained that this is because restaurant meals contain more MSG. "MSG contains more alkali, and people who often eat high-alkali foods will have their brain cells in a state of hypoxia for a long time, which can lead to a decline in memory." The World Health Organization (WHO) has stated that adults should not consume more than 4 grams of MSG per day, and it is forbidden for pregnant women and infants under one year old. In addition, dining out often leads to higher salt intake. Eating salty food frequently can damage arterial blood vessels, affect the blood supply to brain tissue, and keep brain cells in a state of ischemia and hypoxia for a long time, leading to memory decline and premature aging of the brain. [China Food]
Lam Kung-tung also stated that the quality of memory is largely related to happiness. The survey data also showed that among those with improved memory, nearly 70% considered themselves to be usually happy; but among those whose memory was getting worse, only about 20% often felt happy. "The strength of memory is related to the two neurotransmitters, dopamine and norepinephrine, and both of these elements can also produce feelings of happiness. Therefore, people who often feel happy have higher levels of dopamine and norepinephrine in their brains, which helps to enhance memory.
In addition, long working hours and insufficient sleep can also lead to memory decline. Lam Kung-tung said, "We often find that the busier we are at work, the more forgetful we become." In the survey, half of those with memory loss said they often worked overtime (based on an 8-hour standard), and 40% said they had insufficient sleep. [China Food]
Based on the above survey results, the Hong Kong Memory Association reminds citizens that to maintain memory, they must first maintain a happy and positive attitude and can play more and exercise more. Dr. Kirk Erickson from the University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign said that aerobic exercise can reduce the loss of brain tissue that occurs with aging. A reduction in brain tissue loss means a slowdown in memory decline. Research by Dr. Nikolaos Scarmeas from the Albert Einstein College of Medicine has also proven that activities like bridge and crossword puzzles can increase the number of synapses, enhance signal transmission between nerve cells, and consolidate memory. Secondly, eat more meals at home; if you must dine out, it is best to eat lighter meals. At the same time, Japanese researchers have found that chewing is also a good way for the elderly to maintain memory. This is because it can help people relax and soothe nerves by chewing. Finally, try to shorten working hours and ensure sufficient sleep.