Some tips to remember if you’re forgetful
MICHELE O’CONNOR REVEALS SOME SURPRISING WAYS TO BOOST YOUR MEMORY
ABrushing your teeth could have a major impact on long-term memory
S CANADIAN researchers discover taking a nap after exercise works wonders for your memory, we look at other unexpected ways to enhance your brain power.
Close your eyes when being asked questions
UNIVERSITY of Surrey scientists found that participants in a memory study who closed their eyes correctly answered more than 70% of questions compared to only 40% of those with their eyes open.
The reasoning is that you’re less distracted with your eyes shut.
Check your blood pressure
PEOPLE with high blood pressure are more likely to have problems with memory and thinking skills than those with normal blood pressure, a University of Alabama study discovered.
High blood pressure narrows vessels, reducing flow to the brain.
Put oil in the engine
OMEGA-3 fatty acids, found in cod liver oil and in oily fish, help prevent damage to brain cells and keep your memory sharp.
Aim to eat two portions of oily fish a week or take a supplement.
Use your other hand
USING your non-dominant hand can help your brain to develop new neural pathways and connections, explains holistic health advocate Sara Davenport, founder of Reboot Health. “Studies using brain scanners show that when you use your stronger hand just one side of your brain is engaged,” she says.
“When you use the nondominant hand, however, both hemispheres light up.
“Brush your teeth with the opposite hand, or control your computer mouse with it.”
Curry for tea
NUTRITIONIST Libby Limon advises: “Researchers have found a compound in turmeric – the spice that gives curry its golden colour – could help to improve the mood and memory of older adults.”
Studies have shown its active ingredient, curcumin, has potent anti-inflammatory and powerful antioxidant properties, making it a super spice in supporting brain health.
Alternatively, take a supplement
People with high blood pressure are more likely to have problems with memory and thinking skills...
such as Link Nutrition’s Turmeric Curcumin, £19.95 for 30.
Chill out
MEDITATION can improve brain function, says Dr Marilyn Glenville, author of Natural Solutions for Dementia and Alzheimer’s. In one study, participants practised guided meditation for 15 to 30 minutes a day for eight weeks.
MRI scans showed improved functional connectivity and slowed shrinkage of the hippocampus, the main part of the brain responsible for memory.
Chew gum
UK psychologists found people who chewed during tests for both long and short-term memory scored much higher than those who didn’t. The reasoning is that chewing raises your heart rate, boosting oxygen supply to the brain.
Boost dental hygiene
UNIVERSITY of California researchers found those
Rosemary who brush their teeth
can fire up less than once a day
our memories could be up to 65% more likely to develop dementia than those who brush daily.
It’s thought bacteria that cause gum disease may trigger an immune response in the brain, which destroys neurons and can cause symptoms such as memory loss.
Eat dark chocolate
A STUDY found dark chocolate eaters performed better on spatial memory tests. The researchers noted that cocoa flavonoids improved the blood flow to the brain.
Start the day with a little Tai Chi
TAI Chi involves the learning of choreographed movement patterns which may support memory enhancement.
A systematic review of studies investigating the link between exercise and brain health in older people found participating in a 45-minute session at least once a week can improve memory, attention and thinking skills.
Write it down
UNIVERSITY of Indiana scientists found handwriting enhances the neural activity of the brain far more than a keyboard, helping to keep our minds sharp.
Sniff rosemary
“RESEARCH shows simply inhaling pure, high grade rosemary essential oil can improve your memory by up to 76% – because the terpenes (compounds responsible for the strong smell) enter your blood stream and affect your brain,” says Sara.
“Put a few drops in a diffuser and breathe it in.”
Get your iron levels checked
IRON helps carry oxygen around the body, including to the brain, so if iron levels drop, you may start to feel your memory fogging.
Maintain healthy levels by eating iron-rich foods such as chicken, fish and dried apricots washed down with a glass of fruit juice, as vitamin C aids iron absorption (but don’t take an iron supplement without getting your levels checked by a doctor as you shouldn’t take extra if not needed).