Memory

 “Most researchers agree that keeping both your body and your mind active as you age probably benefits your brain,” said Ronald C. Petersen, the director of the Mayo Clinic’s Alzheimer’s Disease Research Center.    https://www.washingtonpost.com/wellness/2022/11/10/crossword-memory-loss-brain-games/

 

On the issue of memory, the New York Times recently reviewed “The Complete Guide to Memory: The Science of Strengthening Your Mind” by Dr. Richard Restak, a neurologist and clinical professor at George Washington Hospital University School of Medicine and Health.  The review quoted Dr. Restak: “The point of the book is to overcome the everyday problems of memory.” https://www.nytimes.com/2022/07/06/well/mind/memory-loss-prevention.html?smid=nytcore-ios-share&referringSource=articleShare

 

The article noted that the book features mental exercises, sleep habits and diet that can help “boost memory.”  According to the New York Times, Dr. Restak argues that “[m]emory decline is not inevitable with aging” and that bolstering all three types of memory--immediate recall, working memory, and long-term memory—is the “key to warding off later memory issues.” 

 

The review stated that Dr. Restak calls “working memory” the most critical type of memory and that he recommends that “exercises to strengthen it should be practiced daily.”

 

As examples of memory exercises, the Times noted that Dr. Restak suggests recalling lists of US Presidents or favorite sport teams players or authors, to engage your working memory, “maintaining information and moving it around in your mind.” 

 

On this topic, I have recently published “Memorize This” on Etsy.  It is a collection of stuff to memorize—get your working memory, working.  Fill in those crossword spaces.  Call out the correct Jeopardy answers.  See it at https://www.etsy.com/shop/notesonideas/

 

Here is the Table of Contents:

 

 

 

 

US Presidents	1
President, First Lady, Vice President	3
US States	9
States and Capitals	12
States Dates of Ratification and Admission	15
State Flowers	18
State Birds	21
State Nicknames	24
National Anthem – Star Spangled Banner	27
Abraham Lincoln – Gettysburg Address	28
Shakespeare Selections
Hamlet	29
Macbeth	30
Julius Caesar	31
Henry V	32
Merchant of Venice	34
As You Like It	35
Romeo and Juliet	37
NFL Teams by City	38
American Football Conference	40
National Football Conference	41
National Basketball Association Eastern Conference	42
National Basketball Association Western Conference	43
National Hockey League Eastern Conference	44
National Hockey League Western Conference	45
American League Baseball	46
National League Baseball	47
About the Editor	48