How To Improve Memory

What is memory?

Studying for school would be much easier if we had photographic or even exceptionally reliable memory. Sometimes I can study for hours and when the test day arrives, I can barely remember anything. The good news is it’s possible to improve your memory significantly. It just requires a couple of extra steps. Firstly, where are memories stored? They reside in the hippocampus, which is in the brain’s temporal lobe.  

The different categories of memory are semantic, episodic, or procedural. For instance, some memories, such as learning the periodic table or capital cities, are semantic. On the other hand, muscle memories which can include learning to ride a bike or playing badminton are procedural. There are also episodic memories. These are the ones we create in our lifetime with experiences.

How can we improve our memory? 

Over the years, there has been a lot of research on how to improve memory. It might not seem like the brain is working its best when trying to cram for an exam the night before, but when we’re younger, our memories are relatively good. Unfortunately, they can start to fade or blur as we age (these are usually episodic ones). However, practicing good habits and making the hippocampus stronger could help prevent extreme memory loss when we’re older. A large factor in improving memory is getting enough rest. Long-term memory commits the events and experiences you have throughout the day during sleep, making it imperative to get the recommended amount. 

 Flavonoids are compounds found in plant products. They are associated with better memory and blueberries have a high concentration of them. Studies with blueberries tested if they improved memory on participants who consumed them consistently. The results showed that after a couple of weeks, there was already an enhancement in spatial working memory tasks. Exercising and mediating can also improve brain functionality. Lastly, doing brain teasers can create better memory. These can include memorizing patterns or remembering details. While there are several ways to improve hippocampus performance, genetics also play a role in individual memory ability, which can be discouraging. However, these options are still useful to try and will help over long-term if done consistently.