“I’ve got a memory like an… um… what’s that thing called again?”
We’ve all had moments where we feel like our memory has betrayed us. The other morning, I spent 30 minutes trying to remember where I put my car keys, only to find them attached to my belt loop. Whether it’s keys, anniversaries, or your granddaughter’s new boyfriend’s name, chances are you’ve let something important slip your mind. While we often relegate these moments of absent-mindedness to growing old, the truth is memory loss is not inevitable. In fact, recent research indicates that adults’ brains are still able to form new, memory-building neural networks in a process known as neuroplasticity.
So, you should have no trouble remembering that the granddaughter’s boyfriend, named Russell, is in a band, called Smashing Funkins, and that their first date was at Café Beefeaters. Right?
Not exactly. Even though memory loss is not a physical symptom of aging, the frequency of situations where we learn new things decreases as we get older. Think about it, in the beginning of your life, you were constantly learning new things, from walking and talking to reading and writing. That progressed to learning how to drive and doing algebra, and then you were learning how to raise kids of your own. The amount of new things we learn tapers off with age. This is normal, but it’s also the reason we find ourselves becoming more forgetful. In essence, we’ve forgotten how to remember. Luckily, with a little effort and self-discipline, you can retain and improve your power of recall. Here’s how:
Try Something New
A recent Swedish study entitled “Growth of Language-Related Brain Areas After Foreign Language Learning” found that memory recall improved in adults who learned a new language. Learning a new skill or investing in a new hobby helps keep your mind active and sharp. Try something that’s completely foreign to you, dance class, guitar lessons, quilting, etc. As part of your daily routine, try out new recipes, different driving routes or listening to new music.
Play Games
A 2011 study showed participants who played a computer game over an extended period of time had significantly improved their concentration to the point of having a 50 percent lower rate of car accidents. You may enjoy puzzles like Sudoku or crosswords, or you can try out Lumosity.com, an online brain training program developed by neuroscientist Michael Scanlon. Their 40+ games are designed to improve memory, attention, flexibility, processing speed and problem solving.
Diet and Exercise
Scientists at the Salk Institute for Biological studies in La Jolla, CA, found that memory improved in both rats and humans through regular exercise. You can try new exercises like Zumba or yoga to switch up your routine. Also, stock your refrigerator with memory superfoods, which Dr. Gary Small, director of the UCLA Memory Clinic, says include antioxidant-rich, colorful fruits and vegetables, which protect your brain from harmful free radicals. Some superfoods include avocados, coconut oil, blueberries, broccoli, chia seeds, quinoa, red cabbage, rosemary, spinach and tomatoes.
Incorporating these new ideas takes discipline and a little effort, but the payoff of feeling more in control of your memory is certainly worth it, especially if you can save some time searching for those car keys.
