It's normal in this busy world of ours to forget things as we
race through the day, no matter how young or old we are. And
most of the time, it's not a sign of the onset of Alzheimers, the progressive and eventually fatal brain disease which affects one in 25 Australians over the age of 60.

The bottom line is this - the brain is no different to other parts of the body. If you don't use it, you lose it.

Try these brainy tricks of the trade to keep your mind sharp as a tack.

1. Take the high road

Believe in yourself. Don't listen to negative myths about ageing because they can create a thinking ‘groove' in your brain and make it difficult to concentrate on any new information you receive.

2. Take notes

Don't crowd your valuable brain space with details better off
in a notebook. Take advantage of calendars, planners, shopping lists, file folders, maps and address books to keep routine information accessible. Also, find a place at home for your glasses, keys and other stuff you use all the time.

3. Break it up

Information broken into smaller chunks or bullet points is easier to remember than a huge load of stuff. If the info is vital, such as your bank account's password, keep copies in a file designated for your everyday things. For security reasons, don't keep a copy in your wallet or purse.

4. Play memory tricks

I'm shocking at remembering names. I reckon everybody should have their name tattooed on their forehead! We all know people who never forget names. They often say the name out loud and imprint an image to the sound. So, instead of 'It's nice to meet you', they'll say 'It's a pleasure to meet you, Alice.'

5. Use memory trees

A great idea is to connect words which are acronyms or mnemonic.

I used them as a medical student. For example, 'ROY GBIV' (red, orange, yellow, green, blue, indigo, violet) helped me remember the colours that make up white light. Try a silly sentence. For example: 'I'll buy a present for that clever chook the tax man,' could remind you to send off your tax return, buy that birthday present and buy a chook for dinner.

6. Sleep well

Nothing upsets the ability to think more than fatigue. Go to bed at the same time each night, and enjoy a restful period before you sleep, such as reading a chapter of a book. Don't switch off the TV and head for the cot - your mind won't have time to settle before you sleep. Don't take sleeping tablets unless they're prescribed, and only take them for a short time. They can make it more difficult to sleep in the future.

7. Test your brain

People who do crosswords, read the paper and have hobbies as they grow older often have sharper memories. And there's evidence that community activities, such as church or walking groups, are an ideal way to stimulate the brain. Try New Idea's puzzles pages or Dr Penny Adams' Brain Trainer. It has 25 puzzles and games to improve your logic, verbal, numerical and spatial skills. Check it out at www.braintrainer.com.au

For more Dr John D'Arcy - Check out the latest issue of New Idea, on sale now!