Memory Improvement Sites

Advertisers tout supplements. Organic growers push blueberries. For true memory improvement, you must train you brain. The saying "If you don't use it, you lose it" is entirely accurate. Research suggests that there is no long-term memory fix. You have to continually keep your brain active. Just like playing a musical instrument, or performing feats of gymnastics, or golf, you need to continually practice in order to keep your skills sharp.

For a training-based approach to memory development, see SpeedReading.com’s memory mode guide.

Exercise, puzzles, reading, diet, and social interaction each play a part in brain health and memory improvement. The top five online resources below offer information about each. Some contain games and puzzles, while others offer the latest research. Each is beneficial for those wishing to improve their memories and stay active.

Reviewed Sites

Mind Tools.com: www.mindtools.com

Mindtools.com has a wide range of resources. It is a career-focused resource, but will be useful for anyone looking to improve their memory and tap into their creativity. Visitors to the site may register for an online newsletter; however, you can browse and benefit from the site without joining.

Sharp Brains Blog: www.sharpbrains.com/blog

The Sharp Brains blog is continually updated with the latest research, books, presentations and information about brain health, memory improvement and more. They pull together all of the latest research into one handy place. Best of all, it is updated almost daily, so there is always something new.

Brain Rules: www.brainrules.net

Brain Rules is the brainchild of John Medina, a Ph.D. molecular biologist. His twelve rules for brain health are accessible on the website. He also has a DVD about using your brain wisely.

Memory Key: www.memory-key.com

Memory Key has tons of articles for parents, students, seniors, and anyone wishing to improve his or her memory. The site also contains links to abstracts about the latest research about memory, and fun games and exercises for memory improvement.

The Memory Gym: www.memorise.org

The Memory Gym is a fun place to test your memory (and kill time at work!). It is just that, a gym for your memory with online games and exercises to test and build your memory. They do not have links to research or articles, it is just a place to work your brain.

Tips for Success

1. A variety of factors affect memory - sleep, diet, exercise, and brain exercise. It is important to pay attention to each factor in order to have the best possible memory function.

2. You do need to use your brain to maintain memory and other brain function. Reading, synthesis and analysis helps continually build connections within the brain, leading to stronger ability to recall data.
3. Stay on top of current research, and canvass a variety of resources before deciding on a memory improvement course of action. One day, puzzles are the biggest memory-enhancing tool, and then next it's listening to NPR.
4. Find your memory weak point, and develop exercises and tools to help you overcome it. If remembering names is difficult, there are articles in the resources cited here that will help you develop a system.
5. The amount of information about everything is so overwhelming, it can be difficult to remember anything, even with a good memory. Use the resources to develop a system of reading and absorbing that which will benefit you - whether for work or pleasure, and screen out the rest.