Normal age-related changes in the brain (loss of brain-cells) can slow some thinking processes, making it harder to remember things, learn new things quickly or ward off distractions, for example, put a name to a face, even of a well-known person. My own statistically-favoured time for bright, new ideas is 4 a.m.! But, with age, unless I jot it down quickly on an envelope or pad by my bedside, it’s clean gone in the morning!

So I spent time reviewing some of the hundreds of memory-improving techniques available. Many of them advertise wildly unrealistic claims, such as “if you take this course you will never forget the name of anyone you meet”(I wish I could!!), or again “you will remember everything you hear or see”. Writing as a biologist and educator, I find such claims positively dangerous, including some adverts claiming top examination results if a particular substance or food supplement is consumed. Where are the clinical trials to support these claims, which no doubt might attract a few parents seeking an A plus for their kid at any cost? The truth is the human brain is undisputedly powerful, although brain research is limited by the paradox that we have only our brain as tool to understand how the brain works. In other words, can the brain understand itself? The two parts of the brain cortex or hemispheres are thought to be responsible for different forms of memory, namely:

The left hemisphere The right hemisphere is responsible for... is responsible for...

words rhythm

logic spatial awareness

numbers the big picture

sequence imagination

linearity daydreaming

analysis colour

lists dimension

The good news is that, thanks to decades of research, most of us can sharpen our minds with proven, do-it-yourself techniques and strategies, literally to improve memory. For example, techniques that combine elements from both hemispheres are likely to improve retention and eventual recall. The best list I found is a set of modest advice, arrived at as a result of research, published by a bulletin from Harvard Medical School, which, like the rest of Harvard University, does not believe in hording the latest knowledge for itself, a sure characteristic of being a “world-class” institution! For the readers of L’express, especially the older generation, here then are ten ways to boost your ability to remember as you age:

1. Believe in yourself

“Myths about ageing can contribute to a failing memory. Middle-aged and older learners do worse on memory tasks when exposed to negative stereotypes about ageing and memory, and better if exposed to messages about memory preservation into old age.

2. Economize your brain use

Take advantage of calendars and planners, maps, shopping lists, file folders, and address books to keep routine information accessible. Designate a place at home for your glasses, keys, and other items you use frequently.

3. Organize your thoughts

New information that’s broken into smaller chunks, such as the hyphenated sections of a phone or social security number, is easier to remember than a single long list, such as financial account numbers or the name of everyone in a classroom.

4. Use all your senses.

The more senses you use when you learn something, the more of your brain will be involved in retaining the memory. For example, odours are famous for conjuring memories from the distant past, especially those with strong emotional content, such as visits to a crepe or farata-making grandparent.

5. Expand your brain

Widen the brain regions involved in learning by reading aloud, drawing a picture, or writing down the information you want to learn (even if you never look back at your notes). Just forming a visual image of something makes it easier to remember and understand; it forces you to make the information more precise.

6. Repeat after me

When you want to remember something you have just heard or thought about, repeat it out loud. If you’ve just been told someone’s name, use it when you speak, for example when introducing that person to someone else: “Olivier, meet Elisabeth, she is in the real estate business!”

7. Space it out

Instead of repeating something many times in a short period, as if you were cramming for an exam, re-study the essentials after increasingly longer periods of time, once an hour, then every few hours, then every day. Spacing out periods of study is particularly valuable when you are trying to master complicated information.

8. Make a mnemonic.

Mnemonic devices are creative ways to remember lists. They can take the form of acronyms, such as the classic “Richard Of York Gain Battle In Vain” to remember the seven colours of the rainbow, namely Red, Orange, Yellow,Green, Blue, Indigo, Violet. For older learners, a particularly helpful system is a story mnemonic that is, a brief narrative in which each item cues you to remember the next one.

9. Challenge yourself

Engaging in activities that require you to concentrate and tax your memory will help you maintain skills as you age. Discuss books, do crossword puzzles, try new recipes, travel, and undertake projects or hobbies that require skills you aren’t familiar or comfortable with.

10. Take a course

Memory-improvement courses are becoming more common. Choose one run by health professionals or experts in psychology or cognitive rehabilitation, preferably one dealing with real-life memory problems. Select a course that focuses on practical ways to manage everyday challenges.”

In a few weeks time, if you remember, let me know how useful or otherwise these tips have been! A good friend and ex-MIE colleague had an excellent memory for jokes. He often delighted colleagues first thing in the morning with a joke. Unfortunately he could not remember which joke he had told whom, with the result that…”you’ve heard that one before?” - a good illustration of selective memory.

<B>Dr. Michael ATCHIA

[email protected]</B>