Forgetfulness is an expected part of aging. Things, such as not being able to remember where the keys are or forgetting an appointment once in a while, are typically not a sign of anything serious. Memory impairment conditions, however, can mimic some of these less serious bouts of forgetfulness. Family members are usually the first ones to suspect that there is a more serious problem than typical aging. Part of being able identify normal memory issues associated with aging from a more serious cognitive impairment is being aware of the first things to look for. Being able to identify definite signs of serious memory impairment can help to lead to an early diagnosis.

Repeating the Same Statements or Questions

A family member with the beginnings of memory impairment will often ask the same questions repeatedly in a short amount of time. In the span of a thirty minute dinner, they can repeat their question to the same person more than five or six times. They will have no recollection of asking the questions just a few minutes before that. As far as they are aware, it is always the first time they are asking. They can also tell a story multiple times to the same person with no memory of having told it before. The difference between typical forgetfulness due to aging and cognitive impairment lies in where the memory loss occurs. A person that is simply slightly more forgetful due to age will remember asking the question but may not remember the answer. Someone who is starting to experience memory impairment will not remember asking the question at all.

Agitation, Mood Swings and Paranoia

One of the earliest signs of memory impairment is becoming combative and agitated easily over simple things. Mood swings that are out of character are also a huge red flag that there is a serious memory condition. Mood swings can include being calm, and even happy, one moment and crying, angry or yelling the next minute. Paranoia usually manifests itself as the perception of valuable items being at risk of being stolen, even if that risk is minimal.

Confusion Relating to Time

Someone who is starting to suffer from cognitive impairments cannot grasp the concept of time in the same way they did as a functioning adult. They may believe their spouse has been gone for hours or even days when, in fact, it has only been a few minutes. Longer periods of time, such as weeks and months, become especially hard. They may say that something happened “yesterday” or “a few days ago” when the event actually happened more than a couple weeks ago.

Getting Lost

Not being able to navigate to a familiar place is another sign that the memory loss is more serious than just normal aging. Family members also need to be aware that this particular sign can be dangerous to their loved one’s physical well being. A difficult, but very important, conversation may need to take place about the loved one not driving to appointments or the grocery on their own like they once did. While these changes are hard to accept for many people, they are often necessary as the memory impairment progresses.

Not Recognizing Family and Friends

Perhaps the most obvious and well known sign of a serious memory condition is not recognizing familiar faces. At first, it may only present as if the person is struggling for the name, but they recognize the other person as a family member. In time, progression often leads them to forget that they know their loved one at all. One family member may be forgotten while another one is always remembered. There is no logic or rhythm that dictates who will be remembered and who will not. While the most recognizable sign of serious memory impairment, this one is also the most heartbreaking for the family members.

It’s no surprise to consider that college students might be lacking in essential nutrients. When you combine a busy class schedule with a hectic social life, finding nutritious meals might move to the back burner. Often food choices are reduced to the easiest and cheapest thing available.

It is reasonable to consider that most college students are lacking in sleep, under stress, and indulging in unhealthy foods. A few targeted vitamin choices will help to fill the gaps in a regular college diet.

1- Vitamin D

Vitamin D is produced naturally by the body with exposure to sunshine. Due to the amount of time we all spend indoors and lack of sun exposure during winter months, it is difficult to keep the proper levels of vitamin D in the body. Some foods are fortified with vitamin D, but these additions are very small.

Vitamin D plays many important roles in keeping students healthy.

• Strengthens bones – Vitamin D helps the body absorb calcium to create stronger bones.
• Builds immunity – Germs thrive in packed classrooms and crowded dorms. Vitamin D regulates the immune system to help the body ward off illness.
• Prevents cancer – Cancer can affect any age group. Vitamin D inhibits cancer cell growth.
• Elevates mood – Vitamin D helps to release dopamine and serotonin to fight depression
• Keeping a healthy heart – Vitamin D can lower blood pressure levels, normalizing hypertension, and keeping the heart healthy.

A large percentage of patients are lacking in vitamin D without taking supplements. Sun exposure is the biggest source of vitamin D. However, this exposure is only effective when the skin isn’t covered by clothing or sunscreen. Keeping D levels where they are supposed to be is difficult during the winter months. Often, in summer, sunscreen is applied before sun exposure occurs, limiting the amount of vitamin D absorption.

A busy schedule could likely put college students at a higher risk for the deficiency. With so many health benefits to offer, vitamin D is a good place to start.

2- B Vitamins

B vitamins consist of related nutrients that work to serve major functions in the body. While they are known for promoting energy, the combination offers many other benefits too. Some of the B vitamins are often recognized by other names.

• B1 or thiamine works to break down carbohydrates and use them for energy.
• B2 or riboflavin helps cells create energy from other nutrients.
• B3 or niacin maintains normal cholesterol levels and increases metabolism.
• B5 or pantothenic acid helps create energy through food.
• B6 or pyridoxine works to calm moods with red blood cell production and the creation of neurotransmitters.
• B7 or biotin helps metabolize fat and cholesterol.
• B9 or folic acid maintains healthy gene activity and reduces cardiovascular disease risks by assisting the formation of red and white blood cells.
• B12 or cobalamin promotes mental sharpness.

These names are often seen on nutrition labels, which means they are found in many foods. B vitamins are water soluble, therefore, they are not stored in the body. For this reason, B vitamins must be supplied daily through a healthy diet and supplements. A vitamin B complex supplement is a good choice for those lacking in a regular healthy diet.

3- Probiotics

Probiotics are a type of good bacteria that help aid digestion and heal the gut. College students often indulge in greasy foods, sugar, and too much alcohol. Studies on probiotics show they might be helpful in healing many conditions.

• Diarrhea is a common side effect of antibiotics, stress, and exposure to germs and viruses. Probiotics can shorten the length and severity of diarrhea.
• Irritable Bowel Syndrome is common with improper diet and stress. The increase of good bacteria from probiotics can help ease symptoms.
• Urinary tract infections are often recurring illnesses due to the fact that antibiotics kill good and bad bacteria. Probiotics help the regrowth of good bacteria to prevent future infections.
• Eczema and allergies can be helped by certain probiotics which decrease inflammation.

An imbalance of bacteria in the body means there are not enough good bacteria to keep the body healthy. Causes of too much bad bacteria can be due to antibiotics, poor diet, and recent illness. College students are exposed to many causes of bad bacteria. Probiotics are a good way to fight this.

A college lifestyle makes it hard to get the recommended nutrients the body needs for good health. When a healthy diet cannot be maintained, supplements are a great way to avoid illness.

It’s that time of year that men around the country countdown to on the calendar every year. No, it’s not hunting season,, holiday season or vacation season, instead it is Football season. Sports can bring out the child in many grown men. Their blind faith in their favorite teams comes out at the beginning of the season. It will last throughout the season for most, while it may wane as the losses build up for others. Even those that eventually give up their hopes and dreams for a championship are likely to display accessories in their offices, homes or cars to show their support for their favorite teams.

The types of accessories for football season can vary greatly in size and type. Some are so large that they are placed in a home or office and never moved. On the other hand, some are so small that they can be carried with the fan of that team. Accessories might items that are put up on display or functional items. Each fan is different and retailers take advantage of that along with their faith in their favorite teams. Every year a few new items appear and some old favorites are recycled back onto the market. These are a few of the trendy ideas in case you are looking for a gift for the football lover in your life.

For your collection, there are many different football themed items. These are typically made for every team in the league to increase their sales. For the grilling fan out there, grill kits are available. These kits feature items such as tongs and grill brushes. Along with these were are “branding tools” where the grill master can put his favorite team’s logo or use multiple ones to make it easy for anyone to identify which is their steak with a beautiful clean branding logo on the steak.

The game of cornhole is very popular at tailgating activities. No longer are these just boards with a hole drilled in them. The finishes on these boards can be so beautiful they are hung on the walls of the home when not in use. Intricate paintings are designed and painted on the board, and then it is coated many times with a protective coating. This provides not just a game, but a piece of art as the coatings prevent damage.

Sports fans now have lights for their home that are both affordable and beautifully decorative. Now with the ability to power lamps through USB power sources, many are designed out of plastic with various color options. These colors might rotate between different colors of the owner’s favorite team or even rotate the colors.

A final attractive colorful accessory for football fans is a wallet. This is an item that can be displayed easily. Think about how many times a man pulls his wallet out every day. Having the design visible will convey your support for your favorite team. Leather on a wallet can be designed with colored leathers to look absolutely stunning. With a high quality seal, these wallets will show every time that you pull it out, that you care enough not only to show you are a fan, but one willing to spend to show it.

As mentioned earlier, football fans are very dedicated fans. Part of the fun of being a fan is sharing who you are a fan with among others. The fan wants to put his team and his support on a display. The products in this article provide that opportunity at various price points so everyone can take pride in their teams.