When we talk about memory and cognitive function, the first thing that comes to our mind is the Alzheimer’s disease. It always starts small with forgetting keys or blanking on what you were talking about. Most people find an easy solution for these problems such as a calendar on your phone that reminds you of trivial things that you feel you might forget but what about the long term memory?

Now, psychologists are using a number of “brain-training games” that improve cognitive function but that’s not enough! While it may lead to optimizing your brain more but it does maximize neurogenesis. After all, all you are doing is playing game on your laptop.

Engaging Cerebellum and Cerebrum

While it’s easy to engage your cerebrum because we use it daily for thought process and actions, it’s important to give as much attention to cerebellum too. This can only happen when you learn, practice and explore in the 3-dimesional world.

The Cerebellum is known as the “Little Brain” that helps you perform everyday tasks. Although cerebellum makes only 10% of the brain volume, it has more than 50% of the total neurons found in the brain. In short, the cerebellum recruits many neurons to improve cognitive function and it being untapped is how you suffer from memory loss.

Now that we know how the brain works to retain our memory, follow are 4 great methods for you to adopt in order to improve cognitive function:

1.     Exercise Daily

According to a research done by Boston University School of Medicine (BUSM), there’s a deep connection between physical activity and cognitive function. The study revealed that during exercise, certain hormones are released in the body that helps improve memory. The exercise can be of any type that puts your body in a strenuous position where you sweat.

2.     Be Open to New Experiences

Have you heard about the “use it or lose it” concept? This concept says that as long as you keep using every part of your body, you won’t experience any decline in its function. This does not mean that memory games such as puzzles will keep your brain active. The key is to learn demanding and new skills while engaging in a social network that keeps you energized. Willing to face challenges on your journey is something that will open your mind to possibilities. This will allow you to constantly engage your brain with activities and people that keep you sharp and on edge.

3.     Try Mindfulness Meditation

According to a study by Beth Israel Deaconess Medical Center, meditation can help reduce stress, which is one of the biggest factors behind declining memory. The energy that you tap into during mindfulness meditation helps slow down age related disorders such as Alzheimer’s disease.

4.     Brain-Training Games

Yes, we discussed earlier that games are not that productive in improving memory function but certain games that provide a stimulant-rich environment helps in preventing memory loss. According to a study by Johns Hopkins University, a brain-training session aimed at older people can improve their memory for a decade. The study conducted showed that after 10 sessions of brain-training, people’s memory improved, which led the researchers to assume that with additional boosters within 3 years, the results would be phenomenal.

So, now that you know what can slow your possible progress of Alzheimer’s disease, why not adopt these methods. This will benefit you in the long run in retaining memories that most people forget with age.