One of the things that people look the least forward to as they age is losing their complete brain function. Although it may not happen all at once, cognitive abilities do decline as you age. According to WebMD, somewhere between 10 and 20 percent of U.S. adults have mild cognitive impairment, which is early memory loss and can eventually lead to Alzheimer's disease. To help keep this from happening or to simply give your memory a push in the right direction, consider adding these brain-boosting foods to your food regimen:

1. Leafy Greens

If you've been dealing with a lack of brain power lately, you may want to amp up the amount of leafy greens that you're eating a day. Leafy greens are foods like kale, spinach, mustard greens and collard greens. By ensuring that you get at least one to two servings of leafy greens per day, you may be able to have the mental ability of an individual that is more than 10 years younger, according to one study. This is thanks to certain vitamins and nutrients found within these foods, including lutein, beta-carotene, folate and vitamin K.

2. Eggs

One particularly popular breakfast food may be a great way to start off your morning with a good brain boost: eggs. One long-term study has found that individuals who eat a diet with high amounts of choline are able to perform better when presented with a memory test. Not only that, but the choline in the eggs helped these individuals to reduce their risk of negative cognitive changes that are often associated with memory-related diseases, such as dementia.

3. Fish

According to research, consuming fish at least once a week can help increase the amount of gray matter in the brain. This is important because it is gray matter that is responsible for cognition and memory. Just keep in mind that the study only showed that the consumption of broiled or baked fish did the truck, not fried fish. So, make sure you're eating the right type in order to get the most brain-enhancing benefits.

If you feel that you or a loved one are suffering from a decline in cognitive abilities, you may want to consider seeking help for a health care provider who can perform an independent medical exam to determine whether there is something to be concerned about. In the meantime, stock up on these foods and start eating more of them to help boost your memory. 

For more information, contact UMC Medical Consultants, P.C. or a similar organization.