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Do you keep forgetting things? Read our handy tips for keeping your memory active

While your baby's memory is improving every day and they are becoming more able to remember where objects are, you may feel like your memory is getting worse. However, adults’ memories are typically excellent and have a substantial amount of storage; it’s finding ways to keep your memory active that’s key. These ideas will help. 

Exercise 

Any type of exercise will improve blood flow throughout your body. When your brain receives enough blood, your memory may remain fresh.[1] 

Play games 

Puzzles, crosswords, word game apps, cards and board games are thought to be excellent memory boosters.[2]  

Spend time with other people 

Find opportunities to get together with family, friends and other people. 

Introduce simple organisation strategies 

Set yourself a task to designate a place for your keys, wallet, phone and other essentials.   

Writing a to-do list can be satisfying, but not as satisfying as crossing things off it!  

Learn something new 

You might not feel like you have time now to learn something new, but if you cannot commit to say learning a new skill or language, look for free online short courses. There are many free virtual workshops that run for one hour or less. 

Podcasts are super for indulging yourself with information – these can be listened to in full, or bit by bit. 

Plan one-off activities where you and some friends get together and paint a plant pot or something similar. Babies and young children might join in too. 

Sleep well 

This might be easier said than done, however, sleep is crucial for maintaining memory. Sleep is regarded to be excellent for memory consolidation and has been shown to be good for overall brain function.[3]  

When to seek help  

If you're worried about memory loss, talk to your doctor.  

References:

[1] Perosa. V., Priester. A., Ziegler. G., Cardenas-Blanco. A., Dobisch. L., Spallazzi. M., Assmann. A., Maass. A., Speck. O., Oltmer. J., Heinze. H-J., Schreiber. S., Düzel. E. (2020). Hippocampal vascular reserve associated with cognitive performance and hippocampal volume, Brain, Volume 143, Issue 2, February 2020, Pages 622–634, https://doi.org/10.1093/brain/awz383 

[2] Brooker, H., Wesnes. K.A., Ballard. C., Hampshire. A., Aarsland. D., Khan. Z., Stenton. R., Megalogeni. M., Corbett. A. (2019). The relationship between the frequency of number puzzle use and baseline cognitive function in a large online sample of adults aged 50 and over. International Journal of Geriatric Psychiatry, 2019; DOI: 10.1002/gps.5085 

[3] Marks. H. (2022). Sleep Deprivation and Memory Loss. WebMD. Available online at: Sleep Deprivation and Memory Loss (webmd.com)