Most people start losing their car keys soon after they learn how to drive, but it’s only when they reach middle age that adults begin regarding forgetfulness as anything more than a passing annoyance. They worry that it’s the first telltale symptom of Alzheimer’s disease. For the vast majority, there’s no cause for alarm. And while it’s true that our memories lose some sharpness once we pass our 40th birthday, there’s a lot we can do preserve our mental agility. Research has highlighted a number of techniques that can produce significant gains in memory and information processing.
• Try something new. Puzzles, riddles, and chess are all good brain teasers, but the key is to try something new. If you’re a crossword puzzle fanatic, try bridge. Even rearranging the photos on your desk or taking a different route to work can strengthen the connections between brain cells.
• Act on your creative impulses. We all have poetry in our souls. Take the time to express it. Explore your artistic side by taking up photography or learning how to play an instrument.
• Write it down. The act of writing something down or talking aloud helps lock it in your memory. Keep a small notebook handy to write down the things you want to keep in mind.
And if your mental exercises tire you out, so much the better. Scientists have shown that sleep helps consolidate learning that takes place during the day. So if you want to try to remember something, recall it before you settle in for the night, and then sleep on it.
