Enhancing Your MEMORY: Some unconventional ways

If you’ve ever pondered on how to enhance your MEMORY, you’ve stumbled upon the right article. Various researchers from diverse global universities have unveiled intriguing insights into the factors that aid the concept of “super memorizers.” These individuals possess exceptional memory abilities, and their participation is sought in a study that could uncover why some people excel at remembering compared to others.

Yet, perhaps it’s not solely due to innate ability, as there are scientifically proven actions you can take to improve your memory.

In addition to mental exercises, there are some unconventional methods like indulging in chocolate, walking backward, and spending time in the sun. MailOnline examines the strangest techniques scientists have discovered that might transform you into a super memorizer.

Enhancing Your MEMORY

Dark Chocolate

Great news for chocolate lovers—apparently, a compound found in cocoa can aid memory improvement.

A 2021 study found that flavanols, plant compounds abundant in cocoa beans, enhanced performance in a list-learning task among individuals aged 50 to 75.

These flavanols belong to a group of compounds called polyphenols, which are also found in red wine, tea, olive oil, onions, leeks, broccoli, and blueberries.

Flavanols are “bioactive food constituents” that protect against cognitive aging, enhance cognitive performance, and increase blood flow to the brain, according to studies.

Researchers recruited individuals aged 50 to 75 and provided them with a supplement containing varying levels of cocoa flavanols to take daily for 12 weeks.

At the beginning and end of the study, participants underwent a series of cognitive tests to evaluate their thinking and memory, and a subset of participants underwent magnetic resonance imaging to measure cerebral blood flow.

The study revealed that a cocoa flavanol-supplemented diet appeared to improve performance only in a specific memory task involving list learning.

There was no effect on blood flow to the dentate gyrus, a region of the hippocampus believed to play a crucial role in episodic memory formation.

These findings suggest that cocoa aids older individuals in remembering information in their short-term memory, but it doesn’t significantly contribute to rapidly identifying visual similarities between objects and patterns.

However, according to an expert, commercially available chocolate brands like Mars bars are not a reliable source of flavanols, although flavanols tend to be abundant in dark chocolate.

Other research has also linked higher dietary intake of these compounds to a lower risk of developing dementia, i.e., continued deterioration of brain function.

In 2012, a study found that when dark chocolate was given to pond snails, the flavonoid actually improved the duration and strength of their memories.

Sunlight

Spending more time in the sun can boost your short-term memory, according to research.

In 2021, experts from the University of Bradford observed how mice performed in memory tests when exposed to long and short “photoperiods,” i.e., periods of light exposure.

They discovered a “significant” relationship between poor memory and short day length, similar to what humans experience during the winter season.

The team believes these results could be applicable to humans, suggesting that we are more prone to forgetfulness during long winters.

In mammals, there’s a natural explanation for the loss of short-term memory during short daylight periods, according to experts.

“In the summer, seasonal animals tend to gain weight, which aids with things like reproduction and preparing for winter,” said study author Dr. Gisela Helfer.

“But during winter, when there are fewer resources available like food and less light, the body suppresses all sorts of functions.”

For instance, cognitive processes, particularly learning and memory, can be quite energy-demanding.

Sex

Set aside your Sudoku books and brain-training apps because research has shown that engaging in sexual activity can enhance long-term memory

A 2014 study from the University of Maryland found that middle-aged rats produced more new brain cells, or neurons, after mating. These neurons were located in the hippocampus, where long-term memories are formed.

It is believed that this stimulation of adult neurogenesis, the development of new neurons, helps restore cognitive function.

However, scientists discovered that after ceasing sexual activity, the improvements in brain power were lost.

These findings were supported by another study from McGill University in Montreal, Canada, in 2016.

Researchers recruited 78 young women aged 18 to 29, asked them questions about their sex lives, and had them perform a series of memory tests.

The results revealed that those who had sex more frequently achieved higher scores, indicating better memory. However, the effect was more pronounced when it came to recalling words rather than faces, according to the researchers.

This is likely because word recall is a function more closely associated with the hippocampus, while facial recognition involves different brain areas.

Walking Backward or Blindfolded

If you’re seeking an unusual way to improve your memory, walking backward might be an option. Walking blindfolded also works as it stimulates different areas of your brain that would not be activated otherwise. This effect can be observed in individuals who lose certain motor or sensory abilities, as they often see other capacities heightened.

A study from the University of Roehampton in London found that walking backward can enhance information recall.

In the experiment, participants walked backward or forward while being presented with a series of words to memorize. They were then asked to recall the words.

The results showed that those who walked backward had better memory and information retention compared to those who walked forward.

The explanation behind this phenomenon is that walking backward can generate a higher level of awareness and attention, which improves information processing and subsequent retrieval.

Listening to Classical Music

Music can have a significant impact on the brain and memory, and one of the most well-known composers for their influence on cognition is classical music, particularly compositions by Mozart.

The “Mozart effect” refers to the idea that listening to classical music, especially Mozart’s pieces, can temporarily improve cognitive abilities, including memory.

Several studies have explored this relationship and found mixed results. Some suggest that Mozart’s music can have a positive effect on cognitive performance, while others do not find a clear correlation.

However, there’s no harm in giving it a try. If you enjoy classical music, especially Mozart’s pieces, you can incorporate it into your daily routine and see if it enhances your focus and memory.

Conclusion

In conclusion, if you’re looking for ways to improve your memory, don’t be afraid to explore unconventional methods. From indulging in dark chocolate and spending time in the sun to walking backward and enjoying Mozart’s music, there are several techniques backed by scientific research. However, remember that each person is unique, and what works for some may not work the same way for others. The key is to find strategies that best suit you and your lifestyle.