Brain Exercises That Defy Memory Loss

Read out loud.
When we read out loud, our brain is forced to process information twice. First, there’s comprehension of the text, and second, we must remember how to make the right sounds for each word. This gives our brain the type of exercise it can’t get from reading silently. Another bonus is that over time, it will become easier to make speeches, announcements, and tell stories in a social setting. If you want to take it even further, try singing out loud. It will ignite the creative side of your brain and it may actually help you sing better. Try karaoke or play rock star in the shower.

Play online brain games.
Online brain games are fantastic for improving our brain’s speed and memory; plus, they’re fun. GamesfortheBrain is a favorite of mine, but the classics like Sudoku and crossword puzzles are also excellent. Even as little as  fifteen minutes a day of cognitive exercise can help our brain generate new cells, so consider adding a few games to your lunch break at work, or at the end of the day to wind down. There are dozens of sites out there with engaging games, so do some exploring to find some that are challenging and enjoyable to you.

Step out of your element.
Changing our surroundings often and stepping out of our comfort zones will also boost brain activity as our minds process our new surroundings or activities. Even activities as simple as shopping at a new grocery store, rearranging our desk at the office, or redecorating a bedroom can get us out of a brain rut. The novelty of stepping outside of our element is beneficial not only to our brain, but also to our overall wellness.

Be a student for life.
Learning a musical instrument, a foreign language, or any new skill for that matter, does wonders for our brain. When we learn a new language, for example, our brain uses multiple areas, from storage and retrieval to auditory and language center connections. A study from the University College London examined the brains of 105 people, eighty of whom were bilingual, and found that learning other languages altered grey matter, the area of the brain that processes information, similar to the way physical exercise builds muscles. Use the internet as your teacher—iTunes has dozens of foreign language podcasts and YouTube has thousands of musical lesson tutorials.

Exercise cures all.
A study by the American Academy of Neurology gives us yet another reason to exercise (as if we need more). The study found: “People with early Alzheimer’s disease who were less physically fit had four times more brain shrinkage when compared to normal, older adults than those who were more physically fit, suggesting less brain shrinkage related to the Alzheimer’s disease process in those with higher fitness levels.” Experts recommend that adults get thirty minutes of physical activity on most days of the week. Building fitness into everyday life helps prevent heart disease, diabetes, and now, helps strengthen our mind as we age. Try walking or cycling to work, choose the stairs over the elevator, do chores more often, dance while you do chores … anything that gets your body moving. Lazy body = lazy brain.

The bottom line is that memory is not a given; it’s a skill that can be developed and strengthened. No matter what age we are, doing brain exercises now will help us reap the short-term benefits (improved memory and concentration), as well as long-term benefits (protection against future age-related problems). Make time for cognitive fitness—your future self will thank you.

Updated July 24, 2009