By Matt Argyle 

Age-related memory loss is a common problem that is the effect of the normal process of neuron or nerve cell degeneration as we get older, as well as lifestyle-related and environmental factors. It is usually the elderly who show obvious instances of memory loss, but even younger adults in their late twenties and thirties may experience the onset of gradual decline in memory function.

Most of the time, memory loss does not upset the quality of life of an individual, and should not cause serious concern. However, there are more alarming conditions of memory loss that are beyond the normal age-related problem, the most well-known of which are mild cognitive impairment (MCI), dementia and Alzheimer's disease.

So, is there any way to prevent memory loss as you get older? In fact, there are. Here's how:

Ensure proper nutrition. Memory impairment is almost always related to poor nutrition. B vitamins, especially Vitamin B12, and Omega 3 found in fish are very helpful in keeping the brain healthy. The antioxidants found in fruits and vegetables, along with other useful vitamins and minerals, also help in slowing down neuron degeneration.

Get adequate sleep. Sleep deprivation and fatigue can affect the brain's function to process and retain new information, as well as retrieve older memories. Chronic lack of sleep and rest can result in poor memory, lack of focus and slow comprehension.

Manage your stress. Stress can likewise interfere with your mind's ability to focus and remember, and can therefore cause forgetfulness. Stress can also eventually lead to depression, which for older individuals increases the chance of progressing to dementia.

Maintain a healthy social life. Because emotional health is also important to maintaining normal brain function, constant interaction with family, friends and even meeting new people is important. Especially with older people, it is easier to hold on to memories associated with certain people if they keep in touch. Forming new acquaintances, meanwhile, can help exercise the mind's ability to process and remember new information.

Exercise mind and body. Physical exercise helps to increase the flow of blood, nutrients and oxygen to the brain, and therefore keeps it healthier longer. Similarly, mental exercise does wonders to the mind's power to remember. For instance, you can read books, answer puzzles, practice mental math, keep updated on current events, and have interesting discussions with other people to keep your mind sharp.

Take care of circulatory health problems. Since normal blood circulation is critical to the brain's function, make sure you monitor your blood pressure. Hypertension can damage neurons and can lead not just to memory loss, but also stroke.

Avoid alcohol abuse and harmful substances. Alcohol and drugs like marijuana, cocaine and ecstasy damages brain and nerve cells, and thus causes poor memory. In addition, be careful of exposure to chemicals like carbon monoxide, mercury, lead, or other chemicals in pesticides, paints and dyes, as they can kill nerve cells.

So for the question, "Is there any way to prevent memory loss as you get older?" The answer is: certainly - the condition can be prevented, delayed and even reversed. How soon memory slowdown begins depends a lot on external factors, most of which you can control.