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memory Discussions

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The most popular tags used with memory articles. Use this to zero in on a subtopic. For a list of all tags, see our index.
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memory50
brain health48
research30
aging26
Alzheimer's disease23
health13
seniors12
elder care11
middle age5
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memory

Start Here: Our Key Articles About memory

Nintendo's "Big Brain Academy" Beats "Brain Age"

Greg's picture

A few weeks ago I reviewed Nintendo's "Brain Age" for the DS handheld and found it somewhat dull. Always on the lookout for fun and worthwhile brain exercise tools, this week I grabbed a copy of Nintendo's "Big Brain Academy" with the hope that a different approach might bring some fun into my mental workout.

So now that LifeTwo owns the two leading brain training tools for the DS (and, judging by Amazon's videogame bestseller list, the leading such titles on any platform), which would I rather use to work myself into a mental sweat? »more»

Use Technology As A Brain Crutch

Greg's picture

Do you have too many of those "now what was I doing?" moments? Can't remember that great idea you had just a moment ago?

On a recent MacBreak Weekly podcast, veteran radio / tv / tech guy Leo Laporte remarked:

"You know, it's actually encouraging for those of us, as we get older, because now ... technology is designed to take over where our brains leave off. I use 'Google-assisted memory' all the time. I don't remember anything, but I can find it fast."

When I heard that, I thought "there's a LifeTwo story in there -- covering the ways technology can aid less reliable middle-aged brains." Unfortunately, I then forgot about the idea for a few days ... proving the need for this article.* »more»

Excess Weight Hurts Mental Performance Now ... And It Gets Worse

Greg's picture

New research links being overweight with substandard performance on tests of mental ability such as memory, learning, and attention, and with faster mental decline over time. »more»

The Science of Brain Aging

Greg's picture

Research into brain aging is remarkable: we know so much, yet basic questions remain unanswered. In this overview, we'll look at what we understand about the brain's aging process, and how it can go awry and result in dementias like Alzheimer's disease. »more»

LifeTwo's Interview With Cathryn Jakobson Ramin, Who Looks At Midlife Memory Problems in "Carved in Sand"

Greg's picture

Can't remember where you put the keys ... or the car? Finding yourself standing at your dresser, blanking on what it was you came to look for? Forgetting names you just shouldn't forget?

What is going on with your once-reliable brain? »more»

Our Most Recent Articles About memory

Brain Boost: How Gingko Biloba Might Help After All

Greg's picture

Last year we asked "Will Taking Ginkgo Biloba Help My Memory?" and concluded: »more»

Cholesterol Link to Dementia Observed; More Evidence of Lifestyle Impact on Risk Profile

Wesley's picture

Evidence of lifestyle choices to the risks of developing dementia keeps mounting. »more»

Older persons with more schooling spend fewer years with cognitive loss

Wesley's picture

A new study funded by the National Institute of Aging had results that are consistent with the theory that those individuals with more education process tasks more efficiently and/or use other compensatory mechanisms that delay the onset of cognitive impairment. »more»

The benefit of exercise on the brain; Best bet, train with a friend

Wesley's picture

In his new book "Spark," author John J. Ratey, M.D., explains emerging research indicating the positive effect that exercise has on brain health from depression to ADD to addiction to aggression to menopause to Alzheimer's. »more»

Good news: Memory loss declining among U.S. seniors

Wesley's picture

According to a new study being published in the journal Alzheimer's & Dementia, older Americans are having less trouble with memories. Ken Langa of the University of Michigan, who conducted the study, believes the reason might be because today's seniors spent more time in school than previous generations. »more»

Preparing for the worst: People with dimentia live 4.5 years after diagnosis

Wesley's picture

In a sobering study by researchers at the Institute of Public Health at the University of Cambridge, people with dementia survive an average four-and-a-half years after diagnosis. »more»

Should you be screened for Alzheimer's?

Wesley's picture

Everyone knows that the earlier you detect a disease the better. Early detection of Alzheimer's disease allows a patient to better plan for their future and to take medication to delay symptoms from worsening. Therefore it would follow that older people should have regular screenings for the disease. »more»

Travel IQ Challenge: A fun and addictive way to see exactly how worldly you are

Wesley's picture

On the whole, most Baby Boomers consider themselves rather worldly. Having read newspapers for 20-40 years, watched the nightly news, and traveled extensively for business and pleasure, we probably think that we could find most major countries/capitals on a map, but is this true? »more»

Study: Beta carotene protects memory

Wesley's picture

A new study published in the Archives of Internal Medicine indicates a protective effect against cognitive decline in healthy men who look the anti-oxidant beta carotene for about 18 years. Interestingly the same benefit was not seen in men who took the supplements for an average of a year. »more»

Friendly Chats Benefit the Brain Just as Much as Crosswords, says Study

Wesley's picture

Want to have a healthy brain? Then don't discount the value of chatting with a friend or neighbor. This advice comes from University of Michigan psychologist Dr. Oscar Ybarra, who believes that a few minutes of talking, face to face or by phone, boosts intellectual performance (including memory) as much as doing Sudoku or crossword puzzles. Dr. Ybarra's research is set to be published in the February 2008 issue of »more»

Alzheimer's memory loss faster among well-educated

Wesley's picture

A new study, recently published in the journal Neurology, sheds more light on the relationship between education and Alzheimer's disease. Started in the 1980s, the study tracked almost 500 people born from 1894 and 1908; eventually 117 of them developed Alzheimer's or another dementia. »more»

The Brain - Exercise Link In Five Minutes or Less

Greg's picture

If you're looking for a quick take on how exercise helps the brain, The New York Times' "Phys Ed" column will give you the highlights in about five minutes. »more»

Caffeine may help older women protect their thinking skills; not to mention stay awake

Wesley's picture

According to a study published in the August 7, 2007, issue of Neurology, caffeine may help older women protect their cognitive abilities. »more»

Is Your 'Cognitive Reserve' Topped Off?

Greg's picture

The sharp, alert, and mentally stimulating folks at SharpBrains has a fascinating interview with Dr. Yaakov Stern, one of the leading researchers of the cognitive reserve theory. »more»

What Is Mild Cognitive Impairment, And Why Should You Be Worried About It?

Greg's picture

If you're worried about Alzheimer's disease, you should be concerned about Mild Cognitive Impairment first. That's because it's a leading indicator of serious problems. An understanding of MCI will help distinguish things you should worry about from normal aging. »more»