Brain games - revealing little 'cheats' and other memory tactics

- Thu, 20 Dec 2007

New York Times columnist Jane E. Brody wrote recently,  "When I complained to my 30-something son that I cannot seem to remember anything unless I write it down and stare at it, he said reassuringly, 'Mom, by now you've got so much crammed into your head, something is bound to fall out.'"

Most people from middle age onwards know what she's talking about. Memory loss is a common problem that is often joked about..Cleverly, Brody has come up with a 'cheat' way of remembering things, so she doesn't have to resort to fudging phrases like 'thingamajigs' and 'you know who'. She's discovered 'mnemonics'. If you ever learned a rhyme in school to help you remember the notes of the musical scale you'll know what it means.

Brody explains, "To remember what I have to do or buy when I can't write it down I concoct an unforgettable mnemonic like 'Babies Are Little Children' for bananas, apples, lettuce, cereal." To read more of her amusing personal account, click here.

Mnemonics are a valuable tool prescribed by neuropsychologists for getting around memory loss. But there is an even smarter way and that's to improve your brain's memory capacity.

In the past decade scientists have discovered that memory cells aren't finite as previously believed. In fact, new cells are constantly being generated and our supply can be increased by various activities. In addition the connections between brain cells, which are vital in transmitting memories, can be boosted by brain training exercises. HeadStrong Cognitive Fitness offers computer-based brain training exercises that target the brain pathways associated with memory, attention, speed and problem solving. Why learn a rhyme when you can automatically memorize the name of the person you just met? Find out more by clicking here.