You probably think you’ve heard all the tricks of the trade when it comes to improving your memory. That is, until now. As it turns out, there are a few key strategies for boosting your memory that are a little unconventional, and almost entirely unknown.

Improve Your Memory with Meditation

A study conducted by the School of Health Sciences at the University of South Australia determined that mindful meditation can improve your ability to recall day-to-day details, such as someone’s first name or a street address. In just eight weeks, the study’s participants showed an increase in their working memory, which stores day-to-day details temporarily until we decide to let them go or commit them to long-term memory.

In another study, which was conducted by the Alzheimer’s Research and Prevention Foundation in Tucson, participants displayed significant improvements in memory and cognitive performance after three months of practicing mindful meditation.

Strengthen Memories with a Cup of Coffee

Studies are inconclusive regarding caffeine’s ability to boost your memory if you take it before learning something new. However, a recent study found that consuming caffeine after learning something new can actually help you remember what you learned. Interestingly, you can recall new things better up to 24 hours after consuming caffeine.

The researchers for this study, which was published in the scientific journal Nature Neuroscience, focused on the effects that caffeine has on the brain’s ability to strengthen and solidify memories. This strengthening process, called consolidation, plays an important role in your ability to recall past events.

Boost Your Memory by Chewing Gum

As odd as it sounds, chewing gum may boost your memory making ability, particularly when it comes to learning new things. Although studies on this topic are limited, one study published in Scientific American lends credibility to this concept. Participants were asked to complete a memory recall test during the study. Those who were chewing gum had more accurate results and faster reaction times than participants who were not chewing gum. One theory that researchers believe may explain this phenomena is that chewing gum increases activity in the hippocampus, the part of your brain that is responsible for memory. Another theory suggests that chewing gum increases oxygen levels in the body, which can boost your memory and help you focus.

While some degree of memory loss is normal as we age, there are ways you can slow the process. Trying some of these brain boosting ideas, along with a healthy diet and exercise, can help you strengthen the memories you have and retain new memories that are yet to come.

Grand Oaks of Palm City’s Memory Care center is an ideal choice for someone who is experiencing brain changes due to Alzheimer’s or dementia. We offer weekly mindful meditation classes and other memory enhancing activities, and our caregivers are specially certified in Alzheimer’s disease and related disorders (ADRD), Level 1 and Level 2. 

For more information or to take a tour of Grand Oaks of Palm City, stop in and see us today or call 772-324-5024.