A Visual Memory Training Technique

Here is the visual memory training technique that I like the most. Visual memory is the ability of the brain to recall details in images. It is debatable whether or not this can be 'improved'. What is clear is that if you practice it you can get better at it.

You can do this exercise virtually anywhere. One version involves two people and the other you can do alone. Let's first take a look at the two person version.
First, choose any picture. It could be an advertisement in a magazine or just a picture. It helps if there is more activity in the picture. For example, you won't get much visual memory training if it is just a picture of a person in front of a black background. Choose a picture that has several things going on in it.
The person to undergo the training first looks at the picture for about 15 seconds. Scan each part of the photo taking note of what is seen. Don't proceed with panic. Just take your time to look over the picture and take note of everything in it.
After the 15 seconds is up, hand the picture to your partner. Then, your partner can start asking open-ended questions about the picture. You should avoid asking yes/no questions. There isn't much meaning to asking "Was there an apple in the picture?" This would not be effective visual memory training. On the hand, questions like "What was in the background of this picture?" Or, "Recall as much as you can about this picture."
The key is to get the person to describe what they remember seeing in the picture without leading them.
Visual Memory Training Done Alone
You can also do this game alone. To start, look at the picture for 15 seconds like above. Then turn the picture over and with a pen and paper write down all the details you can remember about the photograph. One way to do this is to start in one of the corners and move left to right or up to down, writing down everything you can remember. When you are finished, turn the picture over again and see how well you did.
Trying doing this at least once a day. As you do this visual memory training more and more, you may find other ways of doing it. You can use real life instead of a picture, for example. The key is to do this often. As the days move on you should see your ability improve.

By Gordon Chase

9 Natural Remedies To Improve Your Memory

Eating right helps keep the muscles and organs healthy and strong, and it follows that eating nutritiously also keeps the brain healthy and the memory clear. Other than a well-balanced diet, natural remedies that help boost memory are also gaining popularity.
Some studies suggest that lower levels of some of the B vitamins may contribute to Alzheimer's disease, so it seems a good idea to take Vitamin B supplement to counter the progress of memory loss and the potential onset of this disease.
Gingko biloba extract which helps with the flow of blood throughout the body, appears to have a positive affect on memory function as it also improves the flow of blood to the brain. The improved flow of blood to the brain brings with it more oxygen and should thus help improve memory.
Ginseng is an herb that helps energize and revitalize the body, so it stands to reason that it should also positively affect the brain and thus the memory.
Another supplement that also helps improve memory is rosemary, which helps stimulate the brain and thus the memory too.
Foods rich in antioxidants contribute to the overall health of your body, and also appear to work in helping memory functions. Thus it is beneficial to include antioxidant-rich food as part of the daily diet, including nuts, berries, carrots and especially green tea. Green tea is an excellent source of antioxidant, and along with black tea, appears to greatly boost a person's ability to remember.
Another food product that helps improve memory function is soy. Soy products such as tofu and soymilk offer many health benefits to the body and of course to the brain. With this positive impact on memory, soy should be a regular part of a healthy diet.
As oil is usually used in cooking it makes sense to use oil that can help boost the memory and to include it as part of everyday cooking. One of the healthiest oil to use is olive oil, and if it is regularly used when cooking or as part of the salad dressing it should really help your brain and memory too.
Many people need a morning jolt of coffee in order to focus. The caffeine found in the coffee is a stimulant and not only does it stimulate our bodies it also stimulates our minds as well, giving the brain the extra boost needed to help the memory retain information.
For people who are concerned with the first signs of memory loss due to age or stress, following a balanced diet and taking natural supplements is a positive step towards improving the memory, and has fewer side effects than medications. It is a right step towards a sharper memory and a more confident you.
Susan Jan

Photographic Memory Training Exercises

Photographic memory training exercises are used to develop and improve and individual's memory. Most techniques taught in books focus on the ability to retain and recall information when needed. However, photographic memory training exercises should focus on the learning process, rather than the memorization. It is the learning process that creates links in the mind, allowing it to recall the information at a later time.
There are many common photographic memory training exercises, such as list building, word association (also known as visualization and association) and story telling. These exercises are useful in remembering lists such as birthdays, telephone numbers, or your shopping list.
Whilst there is great controversy regarding the existence of photographic memory, it is without a doubt that these exercises when used, can train the mind to improve on its mental capacity and memory.
The best method that we recommend would be the picture game. This is one that can be adapted to use with children or adults, and the best element of this exercise is that it is fun. This makes it an interesting experience, and people are more likely to remember what they learnt and put it into practice. When working with children, it is also a good suggestion to involve a reward, as this will motivate them to work harder and pay attention to what you are trying to teach.
The Picture Game
This is a fantastic exercise for improving your sensory memory, especially your vision. Start with a simple picture that involves at least a foreground and a background. Study the picture for a minute, then put it away and see how much of it you can recall. For example, what were the people wearing? What colour was the house? How many apples were on the tree? These are simple questions which will inspire you to want to recall everything about the picture, making it a great exercise. With constant practice, you can move on to more complex pictures, and soon you will find yourself on the way towards developing a photographic memory!

Greg Frost

13 Brain Foods -- Boost your Brain and Memory

1. Almonds-- increase blood flow to the brain

2. Blueberries - improve learning and motor skills

3. Walnuts -- high in omega 3

4. Brussels sprouts -- has tryptophan which converts to seroten in brain health

5. Broccoli -- assists in brain functioning

6. Cauliflower -- assists in cleansing white matter in brain

7. Ginger - anti inflammatory

8. Apples - power food for mind , body & emotions

9. Watermelon- targets brain function

10. Cabbage - help in lowering risk of brain, lung & prostate cancer

11. Lettuce - helps increase blood flow to the brain

12. Rockmelon - supports the brain

13. Pine Nuts -- stimulate brain activity