Memory loss is often associated most with the elderly, but one in nine people age 45 and older say that they experience difficulty with cognitive decline, which shows it is more prevalent than formerly realized. For millennials, there is more scientific focus now on brain activity and loss prevention through the practice of memory improvement. Strategic behaviors also help program, store and retrieve information and experiences as they relate to present and future needs. Within this article are three time-tested strategies for improved memory as well as how to use them effectively.
Creating, Storing and Recalling Memories
The brain is designed to send signals via neuron patterns called synapses, which allows for the creation of memories. Without the ability to recall them, they disappear as the brain assumes it is not so important. The brain also can combine memories and store them in the short- or long-term so a person can recall them when they are needed. How does that happen? As the brain has it stored, a person can remember them, which supports the brain’s ability to recall them using the same brain synapsis pattern used when the memory was created. The loss of these memories is natural, but you can do a few things strategically to slow it down.
1. Enhance Cognitive Performance With Nootropics
Proper diet has for some time been associated with brain function, so it is little wonder that nootropic supplements are on the world’s radar as they contain many natural ingredients that boost cognitive performance and ward off memory decline. Studies first linked diet to cognitive performance with foods such as blueberries and strawberries.
Blueberries were found to boost performance because of the high flavonoid count while strawberries reduced memory decline. The problem with these studies is that they also showed that people would need to eat an abnormal amount for the brain to benefit. Studies on caffeine have also promoted recall when taken right after memory is created.
That is where the importance of nootropic supplements come into play as they contain these critical ingredients in the amounts you need them to ward off cognitive decline naturally. Caffeine was also found to strengthen memory creation and consolidation. How does nootropic supplements boost performance? They enhance cognitive function.
Nootropic studies have found that they boost the performance of memory, attention span, motivation and creativity, which involved both natural and synthetic products. The studies also found that smart drugs affect the brain’s pathway process, which is why nootropics are used to treat memory disorders like Parkinson's disease and Alzheimer's disease.
Recent nootropic studies have also looked at the effects of natural ingredients like ginkgo biloba and have concentrated research on the dopaminergic and cholinergic pathways. The presence of amyloid precursor protein was also exclusively linked to enhancing mental performance because of the absorption in the neuron’s synapsis.
Commercially, nootropic supplements are often called brain boosters or smart drugs, along with its primary ingredient that enhances mental performance. There are also two types consumers can use, including herbal nootropics like American ginseng and L-Theanine or synthetic compounds like Ritalin, Racetams, Modafinil, and Vinpocetine.
2. Meditate to Enhance Memory Synapsis Process
There is much to be said about how the brain temporarily holds information during the working memory process. As you learn new pieces of information, your mind keeps them until you no longer require them. When they are vitally useful, you store them as short and long memories. When they are not necessary, your brain discards them completely.
The brain’s working memory process can only hold about seven memories, but most people do not use it to its full capacity. How can people boost the working memory function? Studies have shown that meditation strengthens concentration, memory recall and attentiveness because it slows the brain’s memory processing of information.
Under normal circumstances, the brain continues to process information, even when asleep. When the body is meditating, it slows down brain activities but strengthens its functioning capacity. Other meditation studies have found that prolonged practices will enhance your memory, learning capacity, stress level reduction, and self-awareness.
Meditation also changes brainwaves by reducing the brain’s beta waves that process information. When meditating, the brain replaces them with alpha waves like acetylcholine or NGF production that are responsible for memory organization and mental clarity. You will be able to focus better, perceive faster and reason thoughtfully.
3. Exercise to Boost Memory Recall
Like all muscles in the body, your brain is no different when it comes to the benefit of exercise because it stimulates muscle growth and strength. Studies show that regular physical fitness workouts have several advantages, including memory recall, cognitive ability and information processing, which all slow down the memory decline process.
Research also focused on the shrinking of the hippocampus as a person ages. As the aging process occurs, people have a higher likelihood of having memory impairment or dementia. In those who exercised and were physically fit, researchers found that the medial temporal lobe and the hippocampal were more prominently present in the brain.
Scientists also focused their research on neurogenesis within the nervous system’s neurons, which are produced by stem cells and responsible for spatial memory. Participants who exercised experienced weakened memory declines, which researchers found that fitness partially was accountable for memory volume recall.
Whether you are young and looking for ways to enhance cognitive abilities or an aging person who wants to avoid memory decline, a fitness routine would benefit brain function strength and memory enhancement. Next time, try muscle toning, aerobics or resistance training to improve your memory and thought processing.
Because recollection first starts in the brain’s hippocampus, it is crucial to try these three strategies together to improve your memory functioning. As each of these strategies supports a different brain function, you’re going to boost your ability to create, store and recall memories successfully rather than forget them as people tend to do very quickly.
Try it for yourself by taking the time to learn about the benefits of nootropic supplements, meditation techniques and exercise routines that improve the brain’s cognitive abilities.
