Many people believe that memory loss and aging go hand-in-hand: as a person gets older his or her memory begins to fail. Not true! Texas Cooperative Extension will begin offering "Master of Memory," a six-lesson class series that will help you understand how your memory works and what may affect your memory. Medical conditions, medications, diet and exercise, among other things, may all play a role in how your memory works. "Master of Memory" will also help you identify and use strategies to improve your memory function. Join the classes beginning Tuesday, August 14th at 12:00 p.m. at the Henderson County Senior Citizens Center for Master of Memory. Included is a description of each of the lessons to be taught so you'll know just what you're in for

Lesson 1

Your memory is only as good as the information that your brain takes in -- if you don't learn it to begin with, you will never remember it. In the first lesson of the "Master of Memory" series, you will explore how your brain takes in new information and processes it. You will discover that there are several different ways to learn new things and may be surprised at how you yourself learn new information.

Lesson 2

Whether you make a shopping list for the grocery store or make a memo to remember how to spell "success," you are employing a strategy to help your memory. Memory strategies are very healthy and should be used anytime you are uncertain about your ability to remember. In the second lesson of the "Master of Memory" series, you will learn different memory strategies and see which one or which combination fits you best. You will see that with a little effort to employ a memory strategy, you may be able to remember like never before.

Lesson 3

Food: you cannot live without it. Did you know that what you eat may play a role in your memory function? Things like salt, fat and cholesterol, as well as water intake, may affect how well your brain works and how well you are able to remember information. In the third lesson of the "Master of Memory" series, you will learn how different foods and nutrients may affect your brain's function and your ability to remember.

Lesson 4

Older adults take more than 40 percent of prescribed medications in the United States. Would it surprise you to know that your prescription and over-the-counter medications may be affecting your memory? Whether memory decline is a direct effect of the medication or a side effect is unimportant -- what is important is that you know how to recognize it and what to do about it. In the fourth lesson of the "Master of Memory" series, you will learn what types of medications may affect your memory and when to talk to your health provider. You will also learn about socalled "memory drugs" that advertise memory improvement if they are taken.

Lesson 5 Alzheimer's disease is a diagnosis that no one wants to receive. In many cases, memory problems are attributed to Alzheimer's disease or some other form of dementia when they are actually a result of some other illness. In the fifth lesson of the "Master of Memory" series, you will learn about medical conditions that may affect your memory but are partially or completely reversible. This lesson will also discuss how grief, depression, stress, lack of sleep and other disorders may affect your ability to learn and remember things.

Lesson 6

Exercise is important to keep your body healthy but it is also important for your mind. The brain needs exercises and challenges so that it can remain active and keep up with your daily life. In the sixth and final lesson of the "Master of Memory" series, you will learn how exercise benefits your body and mind. You will also review all the main points that were highlighted in the first five lessons. For those who have attended the previous sessions, a graduation ceremony will be held so that you may receive your "Master of Memory."

Important Dates

* Master of Memory Lessons 1 and 2 will start on Tuesday, August 14th at 12:00 p.m. at the Henderson County Senior Citizens Center.

* Plan to attend the Senior Health Fair sponsored in part by Home Instead, Cardiorespiratory Home Systems, Inc. and Texas Cooperative Extension on Saturday, Sept. 8th. The event will kick off at 10:00 a.m. at the First United Methodist Church in Mabank. Call Sharon Strickland at 903-880- 5025 to sign up for the Blood Drive or to be a guest in the Mobile Mammography Unit.