| How's your memory? Have you ever forgotten where | | | | good memory skills it can be impossible to achieve the |
| you left your car keys? Or which area of the parking | | | | goal. Playing video games can improve your short |
| lot that you parked your car? Or the name of the | | | | term memory skills while you have fun and exercise |
| person you were introduced to just seconds ago. | | | | your brain. Most card games require a strong level of |
| Memory is a general term used to describe a variety | | | | recall ability. Even simple games from childhood can |
| of brain functions. It is the ability to recall both recent | | | | help improve short and long term memory. Most |
| events and events that occurred many years ago. | | | | people will be familiar with the card game simply called |
| Some level of memory loss is a normal part of the | | | | "Memory" where all the cards from a deck are placed |
| aging process for some people although many people | | | | face down on the table and each player attempts to |
| retain extremely sharp memories for their entire lives. | | | | find matching pairs. This old game is a brilliant way of |
| Recently, there has been encouraging research | | | | improving your memory. And the more you play the |
| reported by Harvard Medical School that suggests that | | | | better you get. Another memory and recall game from |
| the brain continues to develop new cells and makes | | | | childhood is to look around the room then close your |
| new connections between them. This capacity for | | | | eyes. With your eyes still closed you must recall all the |
| rejuvenation introduces the potential for future medical | | | | blue items, or all the red items. Open your eyes and |
| treatment to reverse memory loss. In the meantime | | | | see how well you remembered what you had |
| there are many options to help brain function and | | | | previously seen. This game not only improves your |
| improve memory as we age. Remember the adage: | | | | short term memory, it stimulates the brain and |
| "use it or lose it" ... this certainly applies to memory. | | | | improves your observation skills. This memory game |
| Often we learn best when we aren't aware that we | | | | also teaches participants to think in pictures. It is |
| are learning! An example of this is when we are | | | | generally agreed that people with photographic |
| having fun or playing games. Many games can help | | | | memories think in pictures so this is an excellent |
| you improve both your short term and long term | | | | memory habit to develop. When you're looking for |
| memory. Crossword puzzles can be both challenging | | | | games to play to improve your memory it can be fun |
| and fun. They often force us to delve into our longterm | | | | to check out your local toy store. Look at the range of |
| memory to recall a word. They keep the brain active | | | | board games available and you're sure to find many |
| and stimulate thought processes and recall ability. | | | | games that will be helpful in improving your memory. |
| Video games are an often overlooked source of | | | | Use your imagination and you may be able to develop |
| improving memory. Many games will require that you | | | | your own games to improve memory while having fun! |
| negotiate your way through a mapped course ... you | | | | Alison Stevens is an online author and maintains How |
| will be required to remember where you have been, | | | | To Improve Memory Website to offer knowledge and |
| who you have seen and recall landmarks. Without | | | | advice to anyone seeking to improve their memory. |