Tuesday, September 23, 2014

How to Retrain the Brain to Improve Memory Retention: Maximizing Your Memory Potential



The human brain functions in amazing ways. Its potential and capacity for memory retention often exceeds our highest expectations, but every person can improve his or her memory to some extent, merely by focusing on what is necessary to retrain the human brain.

There are times when memory retention diminishes with age. Disease processes like Alzheimer’s disease or dementia affect memory retention. The brain may need to be re-trained to function properly.  

Accidents that affect the spinal cord can result in traumatic, neurological damage to the brain. This can result in temporary or permanent memory problems that indicate a need for retraining.

Head injuries affect a person’s capacity for memory retention. At times, there can be partial or total loss of memory. If bodily functions have been lost, retraining the brain in terms of memory may be necessary. Training with respect to proper bodily functions is possible with ongoing repetition, but it may take time, as neurological damage takes a long time to repair itself.

How to re-train the brain to improve memory retention is a question that often confronts the medical world. It is a serious concern for everyone, in an era where Alzheimer’s disease and dementia appear to be running rampant on the medical horizon.

Living a healthy lifestyle is probably the single-most important thing that anyone can do to improve memory retention.

This includes living in a healthy environment that offers proper nutrition, adequate hydration, clean and fresh air, good hygiene and sufficient sleep. The use of vitamins or dietary supplements, as well as regular exercise, can help to improve memory retention.

Proper immunization, as well as the prevention, diagnosis and treatment of infection, help to decrease the likelihood of brain damage and memory loss.

In certain medical conditions like diabetes, dietary changes can improve memory function, so a regular physical examination is a good idea. Deficiencies of any kind like iron, once corrected, improve brain function.

The avoidance of excessive amounts of alcohol is important. Smoking and substance abuse affect one’s memory in an adverse manner. Over-medication or over-sedation may affect memory in an adverse manner.

Reduction of cholesterol and the use of omega-3 fatty acids tend to improve memory.

Improving or stimulating circulation is important with respect to memory retention. Trans-ischemic attacks or mini-strokes that happen in certain parts of the brain, can lead to minor or major memory loss. Under medical guidance, medications like ASA can help to reduce the likelihood of mini-strokes or even major ones.

Good posture and spinal alignment can affect one’s memory and thus, a person can benefit from chiropractic treatment. Acupressure and acupuncture are Eastern methods of treatment, as are yoga and herbal or homoeopthic treatment. Reducing stress can help to improve memory retention, as the body is more relaxed and there is a higher level of oxygen input to the heart and brain.

Increasing stimulation to the brain through increased personal, family and community interaction proves beneficial. Celebrating special family occasions together is important, particularly for the elderly. Reviewing family photos frequently can help with memory retention. Fun, frolic and laughter help the brain function in a positive way. Pets can also be beneficial with respect to helping those with memory loss.

Ongoing stimulation through creativity helps brain function. This can include activities like drawing, painting, knitting, sewing and writing. Staying physically active by walking or jogging, doing dance exercise, skating or skiing, improves circulation thus, leading to memory enhancement.

Watching television, listening to a radio or working at a computer, help brain function as there is regular data input into the brain. Reading, jig saw puzzles, word puzzles, games like Sudoku or chess, keep the brain stimulated. Watching movies, attending plays or concerts are mentally, emotionally and spiritually uplifting and stimulating. Both input and output are important with respect to brain function.

Activities that involve the use of one’s hands and feet improve co-ordination and circulation. Anything that improves circulation will help to improve memory.

The human brain responds in a positive way when challenged, so challenge your brain and that of others, regularly. Avoid frustration, as it can have an adverse effect on memory.

Brain storming or brain jogging, on a regular basis can help.

Medical neurological feedback with brain mapping (1) helps to assess brain function and degree of memory loss and improvement for those with certain medical conditions. There are numerous brain-training games, (2) memory enhancement devices and exercises that help improve memory retention.

Repetition is important as it works in terms of re-enforcement with respect to thoughts and ideas.  
Word games, directed toward increasing one’s vocabulary, can help to wake up the brain. So can music, particularly classical music.

Increasing one’s intake of caffeine can make a person more alert and more inclined towards a higher level of memory retention, but an excess of caffeine can have adverse effects. Decreasing the level of sugar intake can help to cause the brain to wake up or become more alert too, as an excess of sugar can cause one to be drowsy.   

Freedom of spirit enhances memory retention, whereas depression and anxiety can decrease memory function.

Life is to be lived in its fullness and ideally, it is.lived that way Finding ways to live more happily cannot guarantee full memory retention, but will help to maximize one’s memory potential, thus leading towards fulfillment in life.




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