Loss of memory and the ability to recall information is a sad, but common affliction as we age. Such loss can cause a lot of sadness, confusion and hurt feelings for both the sufferer and his/her family and friends. Here are some tips for dealing with the memory loss that is happening around you.
A fun and creative way to improve memory skills is to play games that challenge the brain. It’s similar to how you keep muscles in shape by exercising. As you exercise, you will develop better memory skills and be able to concentrate better. There is a diversity of games that are mentally stimulating. Among the best are word games, like word search and crossword puzzles.
If you’re looking for a way to remember things, writing them down is easy and effective. Not only does this circulate blood to the part of the brain responsible for memory function, but it also exercises it. If you write detailed lists or keep a diary, you can increase your short-term memory abilities.
If you want to increase your memory skills and be able to retain information longer, try using mnemonic devices. Using mnemonics to aid your memory is akin to using shorthand. If you can associate a common item or word with something you want to remember, you create a roadmap in your brain to retrieve the information.
When you are faced with the difficult task of learning a large amount of information, break up the study session into multiple physical locations. This allows you to dissociate this information with certain locations. As a result, it becomes more of a portion of you. Think of it this way – when you change up the places where you learn things, it’s easier for the information to move from your short-term memory to your long-term one.
When trying to improve memory skills, be sure to pay attention. While you may think you are paying attention, your mind may be wandering and not absorbing information efficiently. Try to keep your mind clear and concentrate on what people are saying, or what you are seeing. Think about and focus on these things in order to make the memory stick.
Loss of memory is one of the common signs of aging for many people. While it’s very sad and unfortunate, it’s also a natural part of the aging process. However, there are times when the decline of memory can be stemmed. Hopefully, this article has provided you with some very useful information on the ways you can work on increasing memory capacity and staving off this potentially devastating loss.