Memory loss is a form of cognitive decline that is common and problematic among the elderly. This kind of issue usually comes with emotional turmoil for the person affected, and their family. Here are some tips for dealing with the memory loss that is happening around you.
A simple exercise to cement things in your memory is to write them down. This simple action cements the ideas into your brain, by increasing the activity in the parts of your brain associated with memory. Keep a notebook, a journal or write detailed lists to constantly help your ability to remember items you may need in the future.
If you want to increase your memory skills and be able to retain information longer, try using mnemonic devices. Mnemonic devices used for memory is similar to writers using shorthand. By making a connection between a new piece of information and something you are already familiar with, you have created an association that will help you recall the new information more readily.
Memory Games
Memory games are a fun way to sharpen up your mind skills. There are a number of games that will help to improve your memory while having fun. In addition to enhancing your memory, these games will also help increase your ability to concentrate and extend your attention span. You can play many memory games for free online.
Connecting things that you need to memorize, with humorous images or words can help you remember the information when needed. Humor makes learning more fun and you will find it is easier to remember things later.
A good way to remember complex information is to form pictures in your mind related to information you want to master. If you want to remember information you are learning about in a textbook, use photographs or charts as visual stimulus for committing it all to memory. You can draw graphs and charts of your own to help you remember.
Visit your local library and get books that can help you to improve your memory. There are thousands of well-researched, straightforward books available in a variety of topics related to memory. Many of these books are written by respected leaders in the field, yet are easy enough for anyone to understand.
Loss of memory is easily one of the worst things that can happen to an aging mind. Older people, especially those with dementia or degenerative brain diseases, should take prescription medication to help protect their brains from memory loss.
If you want to keep your memory sharp, exercise for at least 20 minutes per day. Just a small amount of exercise every day can be beneficial.
Even if you aren’t currently enrolled in school, it is vital that you keep learning new things. If you don’t study new ideas, you don’t exercise brain cells that contribute to memory. The time may come when you will find it hard to remember some important information if you neglect the need to “exercise” your memory.
If someone tells you something you want to remember, rephrase and repeat it in a way that suits you. Unless you fully understand an idea, you will not be able to successfully memorize it.
Use organizers, planners and calendars. Invest in a planner so that you can keep track of important things. Have a disciplined schedule written down and refer to it often. By recording things on paper and reading over them, you will be aiding your mind. There is less information you have to remember and it is convenient to have if you should forget something.
Speaking what you want to remember out loud can be very effective. For example, when you learn something, such as a number, say it out loud a few times. Repeating the things you hear is a wonderful way to keep that information stored more easily. If you are not embarrassed or perhaps alone, you can use repetition to your advantage as well.
Get your recommended amount of sleep. If you want to strengthen your memory, you need to get adequate sleep. If you lack concentration, you won’t be able to convert short-term memory into long-term memory.
To aid your memory, try connecting the new information you are trying to remember with knowledge you already possess. If you associate something you already know with something new you are trying to learn, you’re more likely to recall things quickly and store them in your long-term memory.
Chronically high stress levels make you especially vulnerable to memory impairments. Make sure to relax if you are in an environment where learning new information is critical to success. Give yourself the time to recall what you need, instead of getting upset with yourself and losing patience.
Take daily fish oil supplements to enhance or maintain cognitive abilities. Fish oils contain Omega-3 fatty acids, which studies indicate improves the brain’s ability to remember. Proper dosage is important, though, so ask your doctor before you start taking a new supplement.
As you study, your memory can be improved by setting up a schedule that’s consistent. Stick to this schedule as you learn information through several sessions. You need some time to process the information and retain it. Studies have proven that a subject who divided their study time in different sessions memorized the information more efficiently than a subject who crammed the information in one session.
When considering aging friends or family members, memory loss is one of the first things that come to mind. Although it may be frustrating and difficult to cope with, there are many others who have been in the same exact place. Fortunately, this loss of cognitive perception can occasionally be prevented or slowed down. This article attempts to provide some tips for anyone reading, so they can learn how to stave off memory loss.
