Memory loss hits 12% of middle-aged Americans

About 12% of Americans aged 45 to 64 report worsening memory or confusion. Episodic memory, the ability to recall life events, naturally declines with age, but some decline is preventable.

Terrell's family shaped his mission

In 1996, the year Owens was drafted by the 49ers, his grandmother was diagnosed with dementia that progressed to Alzheimer's. His father, who also had dementia, passed away at 83 just weeks before this interview.

“I was very fortunate to be one of the only ones that she remembered.”

How your brain actually makes memories

Memory formation is a chemical reaction where connections between brain cells, called neurons, strengthen to create a memory. Emotional experiences embed more strongly because the emotional quality gets woven into that chemical process.

Memory works like a filing system

Making a memory is like preparing a file and putting it in a cabinet. Creating the file requires attention, the cabinet itself is storage, and retrieving it also depends on attention. Without attention at each step, the memory doesn't stick.

“It's kind of preparing a file, putting it in the file cabinet, and getting that file later on.”

Football taught Owens memory mastery

As a player, Owens built a mental database of plays, formations, and routes. Those skills stuck with him. Today he can recite credit card numbers after learning them once, showing how deliberate practice strengthens memory.

“I had to create a database to remember some of the plays, the formations, some of the routes.”

Owens keeps sharp with crossword puzzles

On planes, Owens does crossword puzzles and brain games to keep his mind sharp. He also involves his daughter in these activities, making mental exercise a family habit.

“On a plane, I'm doing crossword puzzles and things of that nature to try to keep my mind sharp.”

Three pillars of memory protection

Aerobic exercise gets your heart pumping, good sleep restores your brain, and controlling blood pressure protects cognitive health. Cardiovascular health directly prevents future cognitive decline.

Use your brain or lose it

The brain is a muscle. Doing a variety of mentally challenging tasks, both mathematical and creative, keeps it strong. Without use, cognitive abilities decline.

“The brain is a muscle just like any other, and if you don't use it, you're going to lose it.”

When forgetfulness becomes a red flag

Watch for how often you forget, whether it impacts daily life, and if family and friends are noticing. If concerned, talk to your primary care doctor, who may refer you for cognitive testing.