Improve your memory

Memory can be sharpened by a regular work out for the brain and some motivation, says a study.

Want to sharpen your memory? Put those gray cells to a daily workout!

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WR (Bill) Klemm, a Texas A and M University researcher, has claimed that memory can be sharpened by a regular work out for the brain and some motivation.

"After 40 years as a college professor, I've concluded that the single most important thing about success as a student is not a high IQ, but how much a student remembers from the instruction," Klemm, who has a doctor of veterinary medicine degree and a doctorate in neuroscience, said.

His book, "Thank You Brain, For All You Remember (What You Forgot Was My Fault)" provides tips about not only keeping memory, but also improving it.

"Memory is a skill that can be learned, and that's the whole point of the book," he added.

Klemm notes that information overload, multi-tasking, stress and lack of sleep are the four major obstacles to memory enhancement.

Though he has not done a formal study on the subject, Klemm says that the old saying that life begins at 40 doesn't apply to memory, as most people have a steady decline in memory loss beginning at about age 40.

"The most obvious example is a slowing down in the ability to recall names," Klemm explained.

"It's important to believe that you can remember things well. This has two effects: it relieves the anxiety and fear of forgetting that can impair memory, and it forces you to do the memory-assisted things that assure that you do remember well. In other words, it makes you live up to your expectations of yourself," the 70-year-old added.

Klemm advises that challenging yourself mentally through crossword puzzles, reading, problem solving, playing chess can play a significant role in sharpening your memory.

Some other helpful tips that Klemm has offered in his book are:

- Take vitamins and exercise daily
- Take aspirin
- Music, at least instrumental music, may help improve memory
- Have a good mental outlook, your feelings can interfere with memory
- Sadness and depression can impair memory
- Make up an acronym for things you want to recall
- Get plenty of sleep - even one hour less than you need can significantly impair memory
- Eat a "pro-memory" diet, one low in saturated fats and high in fruits and vegetables
- Work harder at paying attention because this ability usually declines with age
- Memory crutches, such as post-it notes are okay but don't let them be a substitute
- Stay active, both physically and mentally.