Increasing memory power for older adults
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Improve your memory!
As we get older it is just as important to take care of our mental aptitude as well as our physical health. If your mind isn't active your ability to remember things or concentrate will be greatly reduced. So you want to keep your mind as sharp as can be. One area that plagues older folks, as well as younger folks, is their memory. Through techniques and exercise you can improve your memory which is important at any age.
What is memory?
Memory is the ability to retain information and recover information. Memory is stored all over your brain not just in one place. Encoding is the first step in the memory process. A sensation or perception is recorded in the frontal lobe or the hippocampus. That memory is enhanced by nerve cells connecting with other nerve cells; the area where they connect is called synapses. As the same cells connect with each other the memory or connection becomes stronger. Although these connections don't last forever.
If you memorized a poem and recited for days the cell connection will be very strong. If you don't recite the poem for a month the connection or the memory isn't as strong.
If you memorized a poem and recited for days the cell connection will be very strong. If you don't recite the poem for a month the connection or the memory isn't as strong.
Does memory deteriorate as we get older?
There are a few reasons why memory is affected by getting older. One is the loss of neurons, which in turn affects the activity of the neurotransmitters and the synapses connection between cells. Another reason is that there is less blood flow to the brain as we get older.
But for the most part our memory can be just as effective when we are older. One way is to do exercise our brains.
But for the most part our memory can be just as effective when we are older. One way is to do exercise our brains.
Does food help memory?
First, an explanation of antioxidants. Antioxidants help reduce the oxidative stress in the body and more importantly in the brain.It seems that certain fruits are the most useful in the fight against memory loss. Fruits, which contain anti-oxidants such as apples, raisins, grapes and cherries to name just a few. Fish that are high in omega-3 fatty acids are also helpful with memory.
What is amnesia?
Despite all the cases of amnesia on soap operas and movies, this disorder is extremely rare. Amnesia is not only erasing your memory it also prevents the ability of remembering anything. Amnesia may also produce false memories. Strokes can cause amnesia as well as brain tumors and lack of oxygen to the brain.
The treatment for amnesia is occupational therapy where the amnesia patient is helped to relearn information with the help of a therapist.
The treatment for amnesia is occupational therapy where the amnesia patient is helped to relearn information with the help of a therapist.
Different types of memory
Memory can be broken down into short term and long term.
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Short term memory is when information is held in the brain for a short period of time. The information is limited and can only be remembered or recalled for a few seconds. One possible reason is that the information is competing against other information that is being taken in at the time.
Memory spanning is the individual capacity of short term memory. This varies from person to person. -
Long term memory occurs when information is stored in the brain for days or months even years. The reason this information is stored longer than short term memory is the synapse between the cells is reinforced with repetition of the information or an association of the information that makes it vivid to the brain.
Memory techniques come into play when dealing with long term memory.
Mnemonics memory techniques
Mnemonics is one of the most common memory techniques. It is based on association of what you are trying to remember and a verbal phrase or acronym.
If you ever had piano lessons then you probably remember the mnemonics 'Every Good Boy Does Fine' which is a way to remember the treble clef, E, G, B, D, F.
Another familiar mnemonic from childhood is the poem that helps you remember how many days each month has
"Thirty days hath September,
April, June and November;
February has twenty eight alone
All the rest have thirty-one
Except in Leap Year, that's the time
When February's Days are twenty-nine"
If you ever had piano lessons then you probably remember the mnemonics 'Every Good Boy Does Fine' which is a way to remember the treble clef, E, G, B, D, F.
Another familiar mnemonic from childhood is the poem that helps you remember how many days each month has
"Thirty days hath September,
April, June and November;
February has twenty eight alone
All the rest have thirty-one
Except in Leap Year, that's the time
When February's Days are twenty-nine"
The Link method
The Link method is an easy way to remember a simple list. Say you have a short list of groceries that you want to remember.
1. milk
2. bread
3. donuts
4. apples
5. soap
The way to make the connection between them is to think up an absurd image for each item and tie them to each other with another absurd image.
For example, picture the milk as a giant milk jug taking 2 pieces of large bread and making a sandwich out of donuts and apples with a bar of soap trying to steal the sandwich. I know that it sounds silly but it needs to be in order to be effective.
1. milk
2. bread
3. donuts
4. apples
5. soap
The way to make the connection between them is to think up an absurd image for each item and tie them to each other with another absurd image.
For example, picture the milk as a giant milk jug taking 2 pieces of large bread and making a sandwich out of donuts and apples with a bar of soap trying to steal the sandwich. I know that it sounds silly but it needs to be in order to be effective.
The Journey Method
The Journey method is a great way to remember long lists. Like the link method you have to use your imagination. Think about a familiar trip or a place that you visit. The familiar it is the better. At each place in the journey you will put a image of something on the list and move from one list item to the next.
For simplicity sake lets use the previous list and the journey will be a short ride to the store.
1. Open the car door and milk spills out.
2. You drive to the end of your neighborhood and a loaf of bread is waving to you.
3. You come to the first traffic light and it is a giant donut.
4. when you pass the light it begins to rain apples
5. as you reach the store your car slips on a giant bar of soap
It takes practice but after a while this memory technique can be very effective.
For simplicity sake lets use the previous list and the journey will be a short ride to the store.
1. Open the car door and milk spills out.
2. You drive to the end of your neighborhood and a loaf of bread is waving to you.
3. You come to the first traffic light and it is a giant donut.
4. when you pass the light it begins to rain apples
5. as you reach the store your car slips on a giant bar of soap
It takes practice but after a while this memory technique can be very effective.
Books on Memory
The major memory system
The Major System takes a long time to master but can be a valuable tool. It involves associating numbers with sounds. If you do learn this system thoroughly you will be able to memorize long sequences of numbers. A good explanation of the process can be found at Mind Tools
Memory and old age
Keep Your Brain Alive: 83 Neurobic Exercises to Help Prevent Memory Loss and Increase Mental Fitness
Amazon Price: $0.59 (as of 06/01/2012)
Age related lenses
Let me know what you think...
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OrganicMom247
Apr 12, 2012 @ 7:44 am | delete
- Great tips in improving memory. Mind exercises help.
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karmicchristian
Jul 14, 2011 @ 11:12 pm | delete
- Very well chronicled and nice bit of information here.
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EpiphanyLondon
Jan 21, 2011 @ 1:08 pm | delete
- Great information - Thanks! :-D
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sridharsix Oct 13, 2010 @ 6:22 am | delete
- link method and journey methods are interesting
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TheWhistler
Oct 11, 2010 @ 3:03 pm | delete
- Well done. Thank you.
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by davidstillwagon
Hi, I'm David Stillwagon. I live in Atlanta with my wife and son. I blog on health and age issues.
I am originally from Uniontown Pa. I have lived in...
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The Memory Workbook: Breakthrough Techniques to Exercise Your Brain and Improve Your Memory
Amazon Price: $10.85 (as of 06/01/2012)
