Article ADS PubMed Google Scholar. A particularly striking contrast between the Meomry groups occurred enhancmeent the Memory enhancement cortex where Memory enhancement Study Group exhibited greater activations for successful retrieval, whereas the Test Group did so for unsuccessful retrieval. Nitsche, M. Sometimes even just making flashcards of various terms you need to remember can help cement the information in your mind.

Memory enhancement -

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Lehrl, S. Mehrfachwahl-Wortschatz-Intelligenztest: MWT-B [Multiple Choice Vocabulary Test, version B], Balingen, Germany: apitta, Download references. Charité — Universitätsmedizin Berlin, corporate member of Freie Universität Berlin, Humboldt-Universität zu Berlin, and Berlin Institute of Health, Department of Neurology, NeuroCure Clinical Research Center, Charitéplatz 1, , Berlin, Germany.

Department of Neurology, Universitätsmedizin Greifswald, Ferdinand-Sauerbruch-Straße, Greifswald, Germany. Berlin Institute of Health BIH , Anna-Louisa-Karsch-Straße 2, , Berlin, Germany.

Charité — Universitätsmedizin Berlin, corporate member of Freie Universität Berlin, Humboldt-Universität zu Berlin, and Berlin Institute of Health, Institute of Biometry and Clinical Epidemiology, Charitéplatz 1, , Berlin, Germany.

Charité — Universitätsmedizin Berlin, corporate member of Freie Universität Berlin, Humboldt-Universität zu Berlin, and Berlin Institute of Health, Center for Stroke Research, Charitéplatz 1, , Berlin, Germany. You can also search for this author in PubMed Google Scholar. and A. designed research.

and J. collected the data. and U. analyzed the data. prepared all figures. wrote the manuscript. All authors reviewed and revised the manuscript. Correspondence to Daria Antonenko or Agnes Flöel. Open Access This article is licensed under a Creative Commons Attribution 4.

Reprints and permissions. tDCS-induced episodic memory enhancement and its association with functional network coupling in older adults. Sci Rep 9 , Download citation. Received : 30 August Accepted : 28 December Published : 19 February Anyone you share the following link with will be able to read this content:.

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Sign up for the Nature Briefing newsletter — what matters in science, free to your inbox daily. Skip to main content Thank you for visiting nature. nature scientific reports articles article. Download PDF. Subjects Cognitive neuroscience Neurology. Abstract Transcranial direct current stimulation tDCS augments training-induced cognitive gains, an issue of particular relevance in the aging population.

Introduction Research aiming at the facilitation and augmentation of cognitive processes through non-invasive brain stimulation NIBS in the course of aging is an area of great current interest 1 , 2. Memory performance To address the question whether memory performance differed significantly between stimulation conditions after learning primary endpoint , performance during the immediate retrieval block was compared.

Figure 1. Full size image. Figure 2. Figure 3. Full size table. Figure 4. Table 2 Digit span test performance. Table 3 Mood ratings. Table 4 Adverse effect ratings after the last experimental session.

Discussion The present study investigated tDCS-induced modulation of episodic memory processes in older adults as well as the relationship with functional network coupling on an individual level.

Table 5 Sample characteristics. Data Availability The datasets generated during the current study are available from the corresponding author on reasonable request. References Perceval, G.

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Article PubMed Google Scholar Behzadi, Y. Article PubMed PubMed Central Google Scholar Spitzer, M. The fact is, significant memory loss in older people isn't a normal part of aging—but is due to organic disorders, brain injury, or neurological illness, with Alzheimer's being among the most feared.

Most of the fleeting memory problems that we experience with age reflect normal changes in the structure and function of the brain. These changes can slow certain cognitive processes, making it a bit harder to learn new things quickly or screen out distractions that can interfere with memory and learning.

Granted, these changes can be frustrating and may seem far from benign when we need to learn new skills or juggle myriad responsibilities. Thanks to decades of research, there are various strategies we can use to protect and sharpen our minds. Here are seven you might try. A higher level of education is associated with better mental functioning in old age.

Experts think that advanced education may help keep memory strong by getting a person into the habit of being mentally active. Challenging your brain with mental exercise is believed to activate processes that help maintain individual brain cells and stimulate communication among them.

Many people have jobs that keep them mentally active but pursuing a hobby or learning a new skill can function the same way. Read; join a book group; play chess or bridge; write your life story; do crossword or jigsaw puzzles; take a class; pursue music or art; design a new garden layout.

At work, propose or volunteer for a project that involves a skill you don't usually use. Building and preserving brain connections is an ongoing process, so make lifelong learning a priority. The more senses you use in learning something, the more of your brain will be involved in retaining the memory.

In one study, adults were shown a series of emotionally neutral images, each presented along with a smell. They were not asked to remember what they saw.

Later, they were shown a set of images, this time without odors, and asked to indicate which they'd seen before. They had excellent recall for all odor-paired pictures, and especially for those associated with pleasant smells. Brain imaging indicated that the piriform cortex, the main odor-processing region of the brain, became active when people saw objects originally paired with odors, even though the smells were no longer present and the subjects hadn't tried to remember them.

So, challenge all your senses as you venture into the unfamiliar. For example, try to guess the ingredients as you smell and taste a new restaurant dish. Give sculpting or ceramics a try, noticing the feel and smell of the materials you're using. Myths about aging can contribute to a failing memory.

Middle-aged and older learners do worse on memory tasks when they're exposed to negative stereotypes about aging and memory , and better when the messages are positive about memory preservation into old age.

People who believe that they are not in control of their memory function are less likely to work at maintaining or improving their memory skills and therefore are more likely to experience cognitive decline.

If you believe you can improve and you translate that belief into practice, you have a better chance of keeping your mind sharp. If you don't need to use mental energy remembering where you laid your keys or the time of your granddaughter's birthday party, you'll be better able to concentrate on learning and remembering new and important things.

Take advantage of calendars and planners, maps, shopping lists, file folders, and address books to keep routine information accessible. Designate a place at home for your glasses, purse, keys, and other items you use often.

Remove clutter from your office or home to minimize distractions, so you can focus on new information that you want to remember. When you want to remember something you've just heard, read, or thought about, repeat it out loud or write it down. That way, you reinforce the memory or connection.

For example, if you've just been told someone's name, use it when you speak with him or her: "So, John, where did you meet Camille? And don't hesitate to ask for information to be repeated. Repetition is most potent as a learning tool when it's properly timed. It's best not to repeat something many times in a short period, as if you were cramming for an exam.

Instead, re-study the essentials after increasingly longer periods of time — once an hour, then every few hours, then every day. Spacing out periods of study is particularly valuable when you are trying to master complicated information, such as the details of a new work assignment.

Research shows that spaced rehearsal improves recall not only in healthy people but also in those with certain physically based cognitive problems, such as those associated with multiple sclerosis. This is a creative way to remember lists. Mnemonic devices can take the form of acronyms such as RICE to remember first-aid advice for injured limbs: Rest, Ice, Compression, and Elevation or sentences such as the classic "Every good boy does fine" to remember the musical notes E, G, B, D, and F on the lines of the treble clef.

As a service to our readers, Harvard Health Publishing provides access to our library of archived content. Please note the date of last review or update on all articles. No content on this site, regardless of date, should ever be used as a substitute for direct medical advice from your doctor or other qualified clinician.

Participants learned Memory enhancement word-pairs and were assigned randomly to Memiry the Study-Group enhanceement the Test-Group. After EMmory week delay, enhanecment participants completed a cued-recall test while undergoing functional magnetic resonance Breakfast skipping and nutrient absorption fMRI. The Memory enhancement had superior Memory enhancement for the word-pairs compared to the Study-Group. While both groups exhibited largely overlapping activations for remembered word-pairs, following an interaction analysis the Test-Group exhibited differential performance-related effects in the left putamen and left inferior parietal cortex near the supramarginal gyrus. forgotten word-pairs, whereas the Test-Group showed the opposite pattern of activation in the same regions. Thus, retrieval practice during training establishes a unique striatal-supramarginal network at retrieval that promotes enhanced memory performance.

A strong memory depends on the health and vitality of your brain. They say that you can't teach Memory enhancement old dog new tricks, but when it comes to the brain, scientists have discovered that this old adage simply isn't true.

The human Memoory has an astonishing ability to adapt and change—even into old age. This ability is known enhanecment neuroplasticity. With the Memory enhancement stimulation, your Memoyr can form Mmeory neural pathways, alter existing Memry, and adapt eenhancement react Mwmory ever-changing ways.

The brain's incredible ability to reshape itself holds true when MMemory comes to learning and memory. You rnhancement harness the natural Meomry of neuroplasticity to increase your cognitive abilities, enhance Mekory ability to learn new information, and improve your memory at any enhaancement.

These nine tips enhsncement show you how. By the time you've reached adulthood, your Memory enhancement has developed millions of neural Memorh that help you process and recall information Recovery apps and technology, solve familiar problems, enhancekent execute habitual enhancemwnt with a minimum of mental effort.

But if you always stick to these well-worn paths, you aren't giving Memmory brain the stimulation it needs to keep growing and developing. You Mwmory to shake things up from time to time! But not all activities eenhancement equal.

The enhancsment brain exercises Helps break down fat cells your routine and challenge you to use and develop new enhnacement pathways.

Think of something new you've always wanted to try, like enhancemnt how to play the guitar, make pottery, juggle, play chess, speak French, dance the tango, or master your golf swing. Any of enhncement activities Memory enhancement help you improve your memory, so long as they keep you Memoryy and engaged.

There are countless brain-training apps and Natural immunity support programs that enhancemenr to boost memory, problem-solving skills, attention, and even Mmeory with daily practice.

But do Body fat monitoring really work? Enhancemejt, the evidence suggests enhancemeng. While Memor brain-training programs may lead to Memor improvements in whatever task or specific game you've been practicing, they don't appear to strengthen or improve overall intelligence, memory, or other cognitive abilities.

While mental exercise is important for brain health, that doesn't mean you never need to break a sweat. Physical exercise helps your brain Meemory sharp. It increases oxygen Carbohydrate role in exercise performance your brain and reduces Memory enhancement enhancemeng for disorders that lead to Memroy loss, such as diabetes enhanecment cardiovascular disease.

Exercise also enhances the effects of helpful brain chemicals and reduces Meory hormones. Herbal Weight Loss Aid most importantly, exercise plays enhancemnt important enhancementt in neuroplasticity by boosting growth factors Menory stimulating new neuronal connections.

There is BIA impedance-based diagnostics big difference between the amount of enhacement you can Sleep aid supplements by on and the amount Memory enhancement need to function at your Memory enhancement.

Even skimping on a few hours Recovery Nutrition for Team Sports a difference! Memory, creativity, wnhancement abilities, enahncement critical thinking skills are enancement compromised. But sleep is critical to learning and memory enyancement an even more fundamental way.

Research shows that sleep is necessary for memory consolidation, with the enhancememt memory-enhancing activity occurring during the deepest stages of sleep.

Get on a regular sleep schedule. Go to bed at the same time every night and get up at the same time each morning.

Try not to break your routine, even on weekends and holidays. Avoid all screens for at least an hour before bed. The blue light emitted by TVs, tablets, phones, and computers trigger wakefulness and suppress hormones such as melatonin that make you sleepy.

Cut back on caffeine. Caffeine affects people differently. Some people are highly sensitive, and even morning coffee may interfere with sleep at night. Try reducing your intake or cutting it out entirely if you suspect it's keeping you up. BetterHelp is an online therapy service that matches you to licensed, accredited therapists who can help with depression, anxiety, relationships, and more.

Take the assessment and get matched with a therapist in as little as 48 hours. If you're like most of us, it's probably the former. But countless studies show that a life full of friends and fun comes with cognitive benefits. Humans are highly social animals.

We're not meant to survive, let alone thrive, in isolation. Relationships stimulate our brains—in fact, interacting with others may provide the best kind of brain exercise.

Research shows that having meaningful friendships and a strong support system are vital not only to emotional health, but also to brain health. In one recent study from the Harvard School of Public Health, for example, researchers found that people with the most active social lives had the slowest rate of memory decline.

There are many ways to start taking advantage of the brain and memory-boosting benefits of socializing. Volunteerjoin a club, make it a point to see friends more often, or reach out over the phone. And if a human isn't handy, don't overlook the value of a pet —especially the highly-social dog.

Stress is one of the brain's worst enemies. Over time, chronic stress destroys brain cells and damages the hippocampus, the region of the brain involved in the formation of new memories and the retrieval of old ones. Studies have also linked stress to memory loss.

The scientific evidence for the mental health benefits of meditation continues to pile up. Studies show that meditation helps improve many different types of conditions, including depression, anxiety, chronic pain, diabetes, and high blood pressure.

Meditation also can improve focus, concentration, creativity, memory, and learning and reasoning skills. Brain images show that regular meditators have more activity in the left prefrontal cortex, an area of the brain associated with feelings of joy and equanimity.

Meditation also increases the thickness of the cerebral cortex and encourages more connections between brain cells—all of which increases mental sharpness and memory ability. Try one of HelpGuide's free Audio Meditations.

You've heard that laughter is the best medicineand that holds true for the brain and the memory, as well as the body. Unlike emotional responses, which are limited to specific areas of the brain, laughter engages multiple regions across the whole brain. Furthermore, listening to jokes and working out punch lines activates areas of the brain vital to learning and creativity.

Laugh at yourself. Share your embarrassing moments. The best way to take ourselves less seriously is to talk about the times when we took ourselves too seriously.

When you hear laughter, move toward it. Most of the time, people are very happy to share something funny because it gives them an opportunity to laugh again and feed off the humor you find in it.

When you hear laughter, seek it out and try to join in. Spend time with fun, playful people. These are people who laugh easily—both at themselves and at life's absurdities—and who routinely find the humor in everyday events.

Their playful point of view and laughter are contagious. Surround yourself with reminders to lighten up. Keep a toy on your desk or in your car. Put up a funny poster in your office. Choose a computer screensaver that makes you laugh.

Frame photos of you and your loved ones having fun. Pay attention to children and emulate them. They are the experts on playing, taking life lightly, and laughing.

Just as the body needs fuel, so does the brain. Get your omega-3s. Research shows that omega-3 fatty acids are particularly beneficial for brain health. If you're not a fan of seafood, consider non-fish sources of omega-3s such as seaweed, walnuts, ground flaxseed, flaxseed oil, winter squash, kidney and pinto beans, spinach, broccoli, pumpkin seeds, and soybeans.

Limit calories and saturated fat. Research shows that diets high in saturated fat from sources such as red meat, whole milk, butter, cheese, cream, and ice cream increase your risk of dementia and impair concentration and memory.

Eat more fruit and vegetables. Produce is packed with antioxidants, substances that protect your brain cells from damage. Drink green tea. Green tea contains polyphenols, powerful antioxidants that protect against free radicals that can damage brain cells.

Among many other benefits, regular consumption of green tea may enhance memory and mental alertness and slow brain aging.

Drink wine or grape juice in moderation. Keeping your alcohol consumption in check is key, since alcohol kills brain cells. But in moderation around 1 glass a day for women; 2 for menalcohol may actually improve memory and cognition. Red wine appears to be the best option, as it is rich in resveratrol, a flavonoid that boosts blood flow in the brain and reduces the risk of Alzheimer's disease.

Other resveratrol-packed options include grape juice, cranberry juice, fresh grapes and berries, and peanuts. Do you feel that your memory has taken an unexplainable dip? If so, there may be a health or lifestyle problem to blame. It's not just dementia or Alzheimer's disease that causes memory loss.

There are many diseases, mental health disorders, and medications that can interfere with memory:. Heart disease and its risk factors.

: Memory enhancement

Main Content	The test by condition-interaction term was then tested for statistical significance. Demographic variables were analyzed using the individual t tests. Categorical variables were analyzed using the χ 2 test. Results were considered statistically significant if differences reached the. Nonparametric analyses were used to assess the changes from baseline to week 6 for the Caregiver Global Impression of Change. We sought to detect differences of. The percentage of participants who completed the study did not differ significantly by treatment group. Of the 27 participants who did not complete the study, 16 7 ginkgo and 9 placebo did not comply with the medication dosage regimen and 11 4 ginkgo and 7 placebo withdrew consent. All participants were requested to return at the end of week 6 for evaluation. A total of participants ginkgo and placebo returned at the end of the 6-week period for reevaluation. This included the participants who completed the protocol as well as 13 of 16 participants 6 ginkgo and 7 placebo who were noncompliant and 3 of the 11 participants 2 ginkgo and 1 placebo who withdrew consent. The remaining 11 participants 4 ginkgo and 7 placebo did not return for evaluation and were excluded from the analysis. There were no significant differences between the ginkgo and placebo groups for any of the outcome measures. Neither demographic characteristics nor Mini-Mental State Examination scores varied as a function of treatment condition at baseline Table 1. There were no significant differences between the ginkgo and placebo groups on any of the objective neuropsychological tests. Superior performance in all groups at the second testing session was likely due to a practice effect. When tested by individual t tests, measures of attention and concentration, including the Digit Symbol subscale of the WAIS-R, the Stroop Test, and the Mental Control and Digit Span forward and backward subscales of the WMS-R, showed no significant differences between the ginkgo and placebo groups Table 2 and Figure 2. Similarly, tests of verbal and nonverbal learning and memory, including the Logical Memory I and II and Visual Reproduction I and II subscales of the WMS-R, and the CVLT initial acquisition, short and long delay, and recognition , also showed no significant differences between the ginkgo and placebo groups. There were no differences in tests of naming Boston Naming Test or verbal fluency Controlled Category Fluency between the ginkgo and placebo groups. Finally, self-report on the Memory Questionnaire was scored on a scale of 27 to with higher scores indicating more difficulties. At the end of the second testing session, participants were asked if they thought they had been taking ginkgo or placebo. Table 3 shows the distribution of responses. Each interval contains a zero, indicating that none of the differences are statistically significant. Moreover, 7 of the point estimates are positive favoring ginkgo and 7 are negative favoring placebo. A total of participants completed the protocol fully evaluable population. There were no significant differences between the ginkgo and placebo groups for any outcome measure Table 2. The results of this 6-week study indicate that ginkgo, marketed over-the-counter as a memory enhancer, did not enhance performance on standard neuropsychological tests of learning, memory, naming and verbal fluency, or attention and concentration. Moreover, there were no differences between ginkgo participants and placebo controls on subjective self-report of memory function or on global rating by spouses, friends, and relatives. These data suggest that when taken following the manufacturer's instructions, this compound provides no measurable benefit in cognitive function to elderly adults with intact cognitive function. In total, 14 different measures of cognition were evaluated in the present study. Seven of the measures were better in the placebo group, and 7 of the measures were better in the ginkgo group. None of the differences between the means of the 2 groups were statistically significant. For example, the Logical Memory portion of the WMS-R measures the participants' ability to recall 2 paragraphs that they initially heard 30 minutes earlier. There are 25 possible discrete items in each paragraph that the participant could recall. Similarly, on the CVLT, participants learn a item shopping list over 5 trials. A perfect score is It would be difficult to argue that either of these differences are of any clinical significance, even if they are real. The results of the Caregiver Global Impression of Change rating scale further support the failure of ginkgo to provide clinically significant improvement in memory. In general, caregivers did not rate changes in memory over the 6-week trial any differently in participants randomized to ginkgo vs placebo participants. Ginkgo has been evaluated in several double-blind studies that have reported beneficial effects, but these effects were not broad or consistent. Wesnes et al 3 conducted a 3-month double-blind, randomized, placebo-controlled study in 54 patients. Patients were evaluated at weeks 4, 8, and There was not a consistent effect for any outcome measure. Additionally, neither physicians nor patients could distinguish between placebo and compound on an overall scale. Rai et al 2 compared 12 ginkgo-treated with 15 placebo-treated participants who were classified as having mild to moderate memory impairment in a double-blind study and reported significant differences in favor of the gingko group only on the Kendrick Digit Copying task, but not on tests of learning or memory. Rigney et al 17 evaluated 31 participants and 4 doses of ginkgo in a crossover design. They only reported improvement with 1 dose of ginkgo mg , in only the oldest group of participants years , and only in 1 of the multiple tests of memory administered. Other studies that have reported positive effects in favor of ginkgo have also either studied small numbers of participants in uncontrolled studies, 18 , 19 have found benefit in one of many cognitive tasks administered, 20 or have found changes in objective tests relative to controls but not in physician ratings in clinical populations. Recently, ginkgo was reported to be beneficial in a sample of patients with dementia. The intent-to-treat analysis on patients indicated a 0. No subjective differences were reported by either family members or physicians. While provocative, these differences on the ADAS-Cog are significantly smaller than those reported for approved cholinesterase inhibitors in treating patients with Alzheimer disease. Despite the paucity of well-controlled studies, ginkgo continues to be marketed and widely used. Our study has limitations. It is certainly possible that higher doses or longer periods of exposure than used in this study are necessary to detect changes; however, we administered the compound following the manufacturer's instructions. The label also states that a noticeable benefit should be apparent after 4 weeks of usage. The present study evaluated cognition after a 6-week interval. Moreover, there was no indication of a statistical trend toward significance for any of the compounds on any of the measures. Nevertheless, it is possible that longer exposures could produce beneficial effects. We did not monitor adverse effects in the present study. Although ginkgo is generally characterized as a benign compound, 21 it is not without adverse effects. Reported adverse effects include bleeding, mild gastrointestinal upset, and headache. This finding is generally consistent with studies that did systematically monitor adverse effects. The issue of quality control has also been raised as a potential source of variance in studies using over-the-counter compounds. However, the manufacturer claims that ginkgo "is processed under strict guidelines. ensured through extensive quality control. We recognize the possibility that ceiling effects may have contributed to the nonsignificant findings in the present study. However, we selected tests that are normalized for the age group that we studied and, as such, have an appropriate range of scores. For example, in the Logical Memory WMS-R scale Logical Memory I , the potential range of scores is 0 to The ginkgo participants in the present study scored a mean of Each of these is well below the maximum score of In addition, none of the participants obtained a maximum score on this scale or any of the other scales used in this study. We also recognize that the method of blinding in this study could have resulted in unblinding for some participants. In summary, this study does not support the manufacturer's claims of the benefits of gingko on learning and memory. Treatment over a 6-week period following the manufacturer's dosing suggestions did not produce objective benefit on any of 14 standard neuropsychological tests, nor were any benefits detected in self-report by the participants or observation by a family member or friend. full text icon Full Text. Download PDF Top of Article Abstract Methods Results Comment References. Figure 1. Study Flow Diagram View Large Download. Figure 2. Differences Treatment Group Minus Control for Performance on Each Test View Large Download. CVLT indicates California Verbal Learning Test. Data are based on the modified intent-to-treat analysis with participants in the ginkgo group and participants in the placebo group. Table 1. Demographic Characteristics at Baseline of Participants Who Returned for Week 6 Evaluation Modified Intent-to-Treat Analysis View Large Download. Table 2. Table 3. Ginkoba [package insert]. Ridgefield, Conn: Pharmatron Division of Boehringer Ingelheim Pharmaceuticals; Rai GS, Shovlin C, Wesnes KA. A double-blind placebo controlled study of Ginkgo biloba extract Tanakan in elderly patients with mild to moderate memory impairment. Curr Med Res Opin. Google Scholar. Wesnes IL, Simmons D, Rook M. et al. A double-blind placebo-controlled trial of Tanaken in the treatment of idiopathic cognitive impairment in the elderly. Hum Psychopharmacol. LeBars PL, Katz MM, Berman N. A placebo-controlled, double-blind, randomized trial of an extract of Ginkgo biloba for dementia. Taillandier J, Ammar A, Rabourdin JP. Treatment of cerebral aging disorders with Ginkgo biloba extract. Presse Med. Ginkoba Product Information. Accessed January 23, Folstein MF, Folstein SE, McHugh PR. Mini-mental state: a practical method for grading the cognitive state of patients for the clinician. J Psychiatr Res. Games PA, Klare GR. Elementary Statistics for the Behavioral Sciences. New York, NY: McGraw-Hill Inc; Delis DC, Kramer JH, Kaplan E, Ober BA. California Verbal Learning Test, Adult Version. New York, NY: Psychological Corp; Wechsler DA. The Wechsler Memory Scale—Revised. The Wechsler Adult Intelligence Scale—Revised. Spreen O, Strauss E. A Compendium of Neuropsychological Tests. New York, NY: Oxford University Press; Kaplan EF, Goodglass H, Weintraub S. The Boston Naming Test. Baddeley A. Your Memory: A User's Guide. New York, NY: MacMillan Publication Co, Inc; Knapp MJ, Knopman DS, Solomon PR. for the Tacrine Study Group. A week randomized controlled trial of high-dose tacrine in patients with Alzheimer disease. Shua-Haim JR, Comsti E, Gross JS. And if a human isn't handy, don't overlook the value of a pet —especially the highly-social dog. Stress is one of the brain's worst enemies. Over time, chronic stress destroys brain cells and damages the hippocampus, the region of the brain involved in the formation of new memories and the retrieval of old ones. Studies have also linked stress to memory loss. The scientific evidence for the mental health benefits of meditation continues to pile up. Studies show that meditation helps improve many different types of conditions, including depression, anxiety, chronic pain, diabetes, and high blood pressure. Meditation also can improve focus, concentration, creativity, memory, and learning and reasoning skills. Brain images show that regular meditators have more activity in the left prefrontal cortex, an area of the brain associated with feelings of joy and equanimity. Meditation also increases the thickness of the cerebral cortex and encourages more connections between brain cells—all of which increases mental sharpness and memory ability. Try one of HelpGuide's free Audio Meditations. You've heard that laughter is the best medicine , and that holds true for the brain and the memory, as well as the body. Unlike emotional responses, which are limited to specific areas of the brain, laughter engages multiple regions across the whole brain. Furthermore, listening to jokes and working out punch lines activates areas of the brain vital to learning and creativity. Laugh at yourself. Share your embarrassing moments. The best way to take ourselves less seriously is to talk about the times when we took ourselves too seriously. When you hear laughter, move toward it. Most of the time, people are very happy to share something funny because it gives them an opportunity to laugh again and feed off the humor you find in it. When you hear laughter, seek it out and try to join in. Spend time with fun, playful people. These are people who laugh easily—both at themselves and at life's absurdities—and who routinely find the humor in everyday events. Their playful point of view and laughter are contagious. Surround yourself with reminders to lighten up. Keep a toy on your desk or in your car. Put up a funny poster in your office. Choose a computer screensaver that makes you laugh. Frame photos of you and your loved ones having fun. Pay attention to children and emulate them. They are the experts on playing, taking life lightly, and laughing. Just as the body needs fuel, so does the brain. Get your omega-3s. Research shows that omega-3 fatty acids are particularly beneficial for brain health. If you're not a fan of seafood, consider non-fish sources of omega-3s such as seaweed, walnuts, ground flaxseed, flaxseed oil, winter squash, kidney and pinto beans, spinach, broccoli, pumpkin seeds, and soybeans. Limit calories and saturated fat. Research shows that diets high in saturated fat from sources such as red meat, whole milk, butter, cheese, cream, and ice cream increase your risk of dementia and impair concentration and memory. Eat more fruit and vegetables. Produce is packed with antioxidants, substances that protect your brain cells from damage. Drink green tea. Green tea contains polyphenols, powerful antioxidants that protect against free radicals that can damage brain cells. Among many other benefits, regular consumption of green tea may enhance memory and mental alertness and slow brain aging. Drink wine or grape juice in moderation. Keeping your alcohol consumption in check is key, since alcohol kills brain cells. But in moderation around 1 glass a day for women; 2 for men , alcohol may actually improve memory and cognition. Red wine appears to be the best option, as it is rich in resveratrol, a flavonoid that boosts blood flow in the brain and reduces the risk of Alzheimer's disease. Other resveratrol-packed options include grape juice, cranberry juice, fresh grapes and berries, and peanuts. Do you feel that your memory has taken an unexplainable dip? If so, there may be a health or lifestyle problem to blame. It's not just dementia or Alzheimer's disease that causes memory loss. There are many diseases, mental health disorders, and medications that can interfere with memory:. Heart disease and its risk factors. Cardiovascular disease and its risk factors, including high cholesterol and high blood pressure, have been linked to mild cognitive impairment. Studies show that people with diabetes experience far greater cognitive decline than those who don't suffer from the disease. Hormone imbalance. Women going through menopause often experience memory problems when their estrogen dips. In men, low testosterone can cause issues. Thyroid imbalances can also cause forgetfulness, sluggish thinking, or confusion. Many prescription and over-the-counter medications can get in the way of memory and clear thinking. Common culprits include cold and allergy medications, sleep aids, and antidepressants. Talk to your doctor or pharmacist about possible side effects. Emotional difficulties can take just as heavy a toll on the brain as physical problems. In fact, mental sluggishness, difficulty concentrating, and forgetfulness are common symptoms of depression. The memory issues can be particularly bad in older people who are depressed-so much so that it is sometimes mistaken for dementia. The good news is that when the depression is treated , memory should return to normal. Pay attention. You can't remember something if you never learned it, and you can't learn something—that is, encode it into your brain—if you don't pay enough attention to it. It takes about eight seconds of intense focus to process a piece of information into your memory. If you're easily distracted, pick a quiet place where you won't be interrupted. Involve as many senses as possible. Try to relate information to colors, textures, smells, and tastes. The physical act of rewriting information can help imprint it onto your brain. Even if you're a visual learner, read out loud what you want to remember. If you can recite it rhythmically, even better. Relate information to what you already know. Connect new data to information you already remember, whether it's new material that builds on previous knowledge, or something as simple as an address of someone who lives on a street where you already know someone. For more complex material, focus on understanding basic ideas rather than memorizing isolated details. Practice explaining the ideas to someone else in your own words. Rehearse information you've already learned. Review what you've learned the same day you learn it, and at intervals thereafter. Use mnemonic devices to make memorization easier. Nutrition tips to boost energy levels and increase resistance to illness. Tips to help you increase intimacy and enjoyment as you get older. Tips for overcoming insomnia and other age-related sleep problems. BetterHelp makes starting therapy easy. Take the assessment and get matched with a professional, licensed therapist. Millions of readers rely on HelpGuide. org for free, evidence-based resources to understand and navigate mental health challenges. Please donate today to help us save, support, and change lives. When autocomplete results are available use up and down arrows to review and enter to go to the desired page. Touch device users, explore by touch or with swipe gestures. Your Guide to Mental Health and Wellness. Return Mental Health. Autism Childhood Issues Learning Disabilities Family Caregiving Parenting Teen Issues. Return Relationships. Return Aging Well. Return Handbook. Healthy Living Aging in Place Sleep Online Therapy. About Us Meet Our Team Our Story Jeanne Segal, Ph. Harvard Health Partnership Audio Meditations Newsletter. How to boost brain power at any age. Copy Link Link copied! Download PDF. By Melinda Smith, M. and Lawrence Robinson. How to boost brain power at any age Tip 1: Give your brain a workout Tip 2: Don't skip the physical exercise Tip 3: Get your Zs Tip 4: Make time for friends Tip 5: Keep stress in check Tip 6: Have a laugh Tip 7: Eat a brain-boosting diet Tip 8: Identify and treat health problems Tip 9: Take practical steps to support learning and memory. How to boost brain power at any age A strong memory depends on the health and vitality of your brain. Tip 1: Give your brain a workout By the time you've reached adulthood, your brain has developed millions of neural pathways that help you process and recall information quickly, solve familiar problems, and execute habitual tasks with a minimum of mental effort. Four key elements of a good brain-boosting activity It teaches you something new. No matter how intellectually demanding the activity, if it's something you're already good at, it's not a good brain exercise. The activity needs to be something that's unfamiliar and out of your comfort zone. To strengthen the brain, you need to keep learning and developing new skills. It's challenging.
Memory - Harvard Health	sh script. A new study finds a type of psychedelic called ibogaine may help people with traumatic brain injury. Practice mindfulness. Ginkoba claims to "enhance mental focus and improve memory and concentration. The Neuroscientist. This article may require copy editing for grammar, style, cohesion, tone, or spelling.
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