Memories are supposed to last a lifetime, according to many popular quotes. But for some, memory doesn't last a lifetime. People take different approaches to the prevention of memory loss.
One way people attempt to prevent memory loss is by searching out the latest pill or treatment. Stores like GNC sell herb pills, vitamins and supplements by promoting products as brain boosters and memory pills.
Psychologists look for alternative strategies that have nothing to do with the latest memory prevention fads. They focus on learning and memory. Common strategies include:
Mental snapshots – Think of your mind as a camera. By taking a "mental snapshot" of where you placed your keys, you are taking a mental note. This only takes a few moments to do.
Slow down - If you are rushing around and not paying attention, your ability to remember where you left something will diminish. If you are trying to remember something you have read, slowing down and focusing on the information will render learning and memory retention.
Brain training – Memory training helps individuals who are starting to exhibit early signs of memory loss. The concept is to bypass the faulty areas of the brain and training new areas of the brain to take the place of the faulty areas. A couple ways to do this is by using mnemonic devices and vanishing cues.
Mnemonic devices are popular memory aids. They are often verbal and are used to help one remember lists or names. These devices rely on associations between easy to remember items and data that one wants to remember.
Vanishing cues is another popular technique. If you are trying to remember a name, write down the letters that you know are in the name. Then fill in more letters until your recall kicks in.
Use Technology – We are in the technology age, so use it to your advantage. Use the calendar system on your phone and create reminders for the appointments that signal you a few hours in advance to a few minutes in advance of the appointment. If you have a smart phone, there are numerous apps and games for improving memory and learning skills.
Exercise – Research has shown that exercise and staying active helps boost your mood which in turn helps memory.
Citations:
American Psychological Association. (2011). Retrieved from http://www.apa.org/topics/
Image by vaXzine. License: Attribution-Noncommercial-NoDerivs 2.0 Generic. (2011). Retrieved from http://www.flickr.com/photos/vaxzine/2278300537/sizes/o/in/photostream/)
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