Brain Exercises That Boost Memory

Memory is the active recall of information and experiences that humans acquire throughout their lives. Just as muscles can atrophy through lack of use as one ages, so can the brain. As people get older, their ability to remember can decrease. The ability to remember increases when the brain works regularly and mental exercises can boost memory when they are performed on a consistent basis.

Word and Number Games

• Human brains like novelty and association. That's why games such as crossword puzzles, acrostics, sudoku and other word and math games work well as memory boosters. The trick is, word and math games must be challenging in order to work. Similarly, by figuring out math problems mentally without the aid of pen, pencil, and paper, one can force the brain to work harder and thus improve memory.

Mnemonic Devices

• These are clues of virtually any type that help one remember by associating specific information with a word, sentence or an image. Examples include creating acronyms by using the first letters of a group of words to create another word that may be pronounced. Rhymes and alliterations, the latter of which uses the same consonant to begin every word of a phrase or sentence, are other tricks that may be used as memory boosters. Breaking down information into smaller chunks is another useful way to remember things. Separating long lists into categories or classifying items into specific divisions are methods of helping your brain remember more efficiently.

Make Lists

• This game specifically engages powers of recall, which in turn, strengthen the connections in the brain. As an example, write down cities that begin with the letter A, then try to remember each one an hour later. The same can be done with grocery items, to-do lists, or even fun items such as songs that were popular on the day of a famous historical event. The purpose here is to perform the initial recall and then boost that recall by seeing how easily those items can be remembered a short time later.

Neurobic Exercises

• These are akin to aerobic exercises for the brain. The key to neurobic exercise is to do tasks in a novel and engaging way that may include involving two or more of the senses. Examples would be brushing teeth or opening a jar with one's less dominant hand, eating a meal with youreyes closed, or driving a different route to work. By breaking routine in a novel and unexpected manner, the brain is forced to make new neural connections, thereby strengthening memory.

Learn New Tasks

• A number of activities fall into this category, including acquiring a new foreign language, attempting to play a musical instrument, and learning how to play a sport. These and similar activities force the brain to pay attention, which in turn, improves memory.