The quest to improve your memoryis an ongoing task. A little harder for some than for others, but still attainable.

Imagine if you could always remember where you put your keys or maybe a person's name. Maybe you would want to do better at work? You could definitely win bets with your co-workers and friends without a doubt...

What would a better memory mean to you? More importantly, how would you go about doing it?

There are just two types of cognitive memory: short term and long term. The differences between the two is distinctive, but there is a thin line between short term memory and what is called "working memory".

Actually, there is a third type of memory which is called direct memory. This memory only last a few seconds and this memory is almost perfectly photographic. You are using this memory for remembering what you've just read for example. So do you remember what you just read? =)

Short term memory is that ability to recall half of a sentence or a quotation we hear. We have all done this at one time or another; you see or hear something and you try to remember it. The thing to realize about short term memory is that it is extremely short and rarely lasts more than a minute. After that, if you want to recall that piece of information later, it has to be committed to long term memory.

Now long term memory is exactly what it sounds like. This is the ability to recall something from days, months or even years ago. This is information that you have deemed so important or that made such an impact on you that your brain recorded it and filed it away for you to enjoy (hopefully) later.

This is the type of memory that allows us to be trained for jobs, taught to read or write, gain education or learn a skill like playing an instrument. All these activities require the use of long term memory. Without it, we would be without literature or music as well as be an illiterate race.

As mentioned, another type closely related to short term memory is "working memory". This is actually the time span that your short term memory lasts. As we get older, this time shortens and we may linger over small menial things like what button to touch on the remote control.

In either case, your long term memory is fed by your short term and working memory. Details are "recorded" and kept for recall later. All short term memories are either placed in long term or placed elsewhere. There is much research going on here and we don't know for sure were the short term memory goes if it's not placed in the long term memory.

Some say that it's being stored in our sub-concious mind but more research needs to be conducted before we can be 100% accurate.

The good news is that memory can be improved relatively easily. There are many techniques that can be utilized to improve the short and/or long term memory. One of the simplest is to adjust the dietary input. That's right; what you eat can help you improve your memory.

Healthy fats (omega 3 fatty acids), antioxidants and high protein foods are among the best for memory preservation. All three play important roles in the brain's normal functions. A lack of these substances can lead to age related memory loss as age progresses. Incorporate these materials into the diet now.

Playing memory games or brain teaser games like sudoku is another way to improve the memory. Puzzles and "brain twisters" provide exercise for the brain. These games force you to think fast and help increase reaction times and memory functions.


Surprisingly, a regular cardiovascular exercise regimen has appositive effect on memory too. Walking on a treadmill or some sort of gait trainer or stair stepper is excellent for this purpose. This causes blood to flow to increase in the brain, which in turn helps to heal or regenerate damaged brain cells resulting in memory increase.

The use of memory games is very effective. Unlike the brain twisters that make you think, these games force you to utilize your memory. Like that card game where you lay all the cards out on the table and try to find pairs. You have to recall the positions of the cards later as you uncover the match.

A more intense way of improving memory function is by learning memory systems. Memory systems help you "organize" the material stored in your brain. The idea is that if it is organized and categorized, it will be easier and faster to recall later. Some methods include the use of rote study, keyword association, visualization and phonetic as well as mnemonic methods. All are effective and simple to learn.

Lastly, proper sleep patterns, vitamins and supplements can all help. It is a fact that loss of sleep can slow brain functions down considerably, hindering memory recall.
It is also a fact that all brain functions, including memory, are facilitated by chemical reactions. That is where the vitamins and supplements come in, usually an Omega 3 supplement.