Solving Games for Short-Term Memory Problems

The short-term memory, also known as the working memory, is the ability to remember data that is being used. On average, a person can remember five to nine items with short-term memory. Short term memory loss comes with the aging process, but it may also be a symptom of an underlying condition. If you have short-term memory problems, solving games may improve your capacity to remember your grocery list and other day-to-day tasks.

Items on a List

• Write each item with a different colored pen to make the items memorable.

  Create a list of things that you need to do or buy and include up to 10 items. Read the list once and look at each item on the list for at least 8 seconds. Put the list aside and write down the items you remember. Repeat this exercise several times each day, using different lists. Test your abilities by going grocery shopping without a list.

Matching Pairs

• According to Mindtools, games such as Pexeso or Mahjong improve your memory. These games use pairs of like cards or tiles, which you have to match by looking at a larger group of cards or tiles. You can play a memory game using a pack of playing cards, selecting only two cards from each suite. Mix the cards and place them facing the table. Turn two cards over and if they match, remove the pair from the group. If the cards don't match, turn them face down and turn other two cards. Try to remember the cards you turn to match as many pairs as you can.

Word Pictures

• Visualize the spelling of the word.

  Get a few greeting cards that depict simple pictures such as animals. Look at one picture, say a word that describes it best and visualize the spelling of the word. Take the initial letter of the word and say as many words as you can think of that start with this letter. Increase the difficulty of the game: close your eyes and list items that are in your room starting with the given letter.

Put Together a Jigsaw Puzzle

• Assembling a puzzle is a good memory exercise.

  According to Brain Metrix, jigsaw puzzles are a "brain stretching exercise." Putting a puzzle together may stimulate your short memory. Get jigsaw puzzles with fewer pieces and work your way up to more complex puzzles. To make the activity more challenging, look at the picture of the completed puzzle on the box only when you begin solving the puzzle, without referring back to it while you complete the puzzle.

Remember the Map

• Draw an imaginary map and try to recreate it.

  Draw a map using your imagination. You can create an island or a forest. Make sure you include some details. Put the map aside and try to recreate it on a different piece of paper. Alternatively, take a look at a picture in a book for up to 5 minutes and try to draw the image as you remember it.