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Updated: 3:43 PM Nov 10, 2009
Medical Minute 11-10: Five Brain Boosters
A good memory can help you ace a test, work the New York Times crossword puzzle, and figure out a complex computer program. But, can your lifestyle affect your ability to remember? Here are five ways to keep your memory sharp.
Posted: 3:35 PM Nov 10, 2009Reporter: Casey Taylor Email Address: news@wctv.tv |
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They are the drivers behind your thoughts: decisions and actions. But too often they disappear.
"I don't remember the first day of high school specifically, no."
"Names. You know, I see people, and I'll say, 'hi' because I can't remember their name."
"Time…I just can't remember."
What can you do to improve your memory? The first brain booster: Avoid stress!
"It reduces memory performance. It reduces your ability to pay attention to things," said Charan Ranganath, Ph.D. Associate Professor University of California.
Number two: Get enough sleep. While you rest, your brain's two memory systems -- the hippocampus and the neo-cortex -- talk to each other.
"Sleep is very, very important to consolidate information that we learned the day before," said Eric H. Chudler, Ph.D. Research Associate Professor Bioengineering University of Washington.
Another booster: Be social.
"Social stimulation, for one thing, will get you more alert and aroused," said Charan Ranganath, Ph.D.
One report showed talking to another person for just 10 minutes led to significant improvement on memory tests. Researchers say pets count as companions, too!
Also: Try neurobics.
"The truth is the brain is like a muscle because the more you use the brain, the more effective it is," said James McGaugh, Ph.D. Neurobiologist University of California.
The idea is to challenge it in unexpected ways. Try brushing your teeth with the opposite hand, closing your eyes to find your keys in your purse or reorganizing your desk.
The last booster on our list: Dance.
"Anything that you can do to engage the brain is going to make the brain work a little better," said James McGaugh, Ph.D.
Researchers who followed nearly 500 people for 21 years found that ballroom dancing was the most protective physical activity. It reduced dementia risk by 76%!
"The adage that you can't teach an old dog new tricks really isn't true," said Eric H. Chudler, Ph.D.
For more information: Ivanhoe Broadcast News2745 W. Fairbanks Ave.Winter Park, FL 32789http://www.ivanhoe.comJulie Marks, Supervising Producer of Prescription: Healthjmarks@ivanhoe.comDirect Line: (407) 691-1500Viewer Line: (407) 740-0789 ext. 579
