KEEPING YOUR 'MENTAL EDGE' LATER IN LIFE As we get older 'senior moments' of memory lapse are entirely natural – as memory function begins to deteriorate from about the age of 30. As we age, we literally ‘lose our brain cells’ and make less of the chemicals that the brain needs for top mental performance. Scientists have estimated that memory lapses (of anything from about 6, up to 30 a week by the most absent-minded) are probably on the rise – as people lead busier, more pressured lives. Deterioration of cognitive functions – finding it harder to remember details and plan everyday activities – can cause anxiety and stress. This can then lead to loss of confidence and self-esteem – further eroding the ability to live independently. Alex Shalet, Senior Nutritionist from The Nutri Centre offers some helpful tips for improved mental agility and better recollection: Make associations to connect things in your mind – such as using landmarks to help you find places. Give your brain a regular workout, with things like  crossword puzzles and sudoku. Run through the alphabet in your head if you are  struggling to remember a word or name: often 'hearing' the first letter will jog your memory. Repeating names when you meet new people will help you remember them. Keep lists, a detailed calendar and follow a routine. Put important items, such as your keys, medications and letters in the same place, every time. A combination of dietary improvement, physical and mental exercise plus selective supplementation can make a significant difference in reducing ‘senior moments’. Modern diet can often be characterized by over-processed and convenience foods – which may lack essential nutrients for maintaining healthy brain tissues and fueling biochemical activities. You should try, therefore, to include plenty of fresh fruit and vegetables in your diet – for their antioxidant content. Omega 3 rich foods, with their essential fatty acids are building blocks for brain cells. Good dietary sources include oily fish, flaxseed and walnuts. • To achieve these nutritional objectives in a convenient form, take a good quality supplement such as highly concentrated EPA chewable food supplement, MorEPA – which is available in a choice of pleasant citrus flavours. This supplement is perfect for people who don’t like a fishy taste, or have difficulty swallowing capsules and tablets. • Reduce sugary foods, as research has shown that glucose intolerance – where a person cannot regulate sugar levels in their blood – can lead to poor memory.  Apples and apple juice, as part of a balanced diet, should satisfy a sweet tooth and may, according to research,  help protect the brain from the effects of oxidative stress – which encourages cell damage and contributes to memory loss. • Try to cut down on Caffeine-based stimulants as these act as diuretics, depleting important mineral and nutrient reserves in the body. Whilst there is no evidence that drinking water improves memory, we know that even a small amount of dehydration can cause confusion – so don’t wait until you are thirsty. • The brain requires a wide variety of chemical elements to function at its best – including minerals and amino acids. To make sure you are not missing out on essential brain food try Mental Edge by Source Naturals. This is an advanced nutritional formula to help you meet the demands of a challenging world; a multivitamin designed specifically for brain health. This bio-aligned formula combines nutrients, herbs and special ingredients – to address multiple, interdependent body systems. NB. Mental Edge contains phenylalanine and tyrosine. It should not to be used by phenylketonurics, pregnant or breast-feeding women, or with antidepressant drugs containing MAO or SSR inhibitors. If you have chronic high blood pressure or epilepsy, consult your health care professional before using this product. Consulting your doctor If memory problems are seriously affecting your life or your memory suddenly worsens, consult your doctor.  He/she will look at specific causes of memory loss, which could include depression, dementia, drug side-effects, strokes, head injury and alcoholism. SPECIAL CARE DIRECTIONS' DISCOUNT ORDERING OF PRODUTS FEATURED MorEPA Smart Fats. Normally retailing at £18.99 for 50 capsules, the special Care Directions' order price is £18.25 Mental Edge. Normally retailing at £8.79 for 30 capsules, the special Care Directions' order price is £8.50 • ORDER ONLINE: You can find more product details and order at the special discount prices, at this online order link. • ORDER BY TELEPHONE: If ordering by telephone, be sure to mention 'CARE DIRECTIONS PROMOTION' to obtain the discount prices. 0800 5872290 • PURCHASE IN STORE: You can also download discount vouchers from the Care Directions' web site, to use for instore purchases at Nutri Centre stores throughout the country – with new outlets opening all the time (see above link).