| Janet Vasquez | | | | chemical by-products which inhibit memory. |
| To understand how memory might be improved, it is | | | | 2. Get enough sleep. Dream or REM sleep gives your |
| a smart idea to learn about how memory works and | | | | brain the opportunity to process new information and |
| fails. A small structure in the brain called the | | | | consolidate learning. |
| hippocampus is the nerve center for memory | | | | 3. Eat for memory. Certain foods are thought to |
| formation. That's where the crucial switching from | | | | improve memory performance. They include fish such |
| short-term to long-term memory takes place through | | | | as salmon and tuna, eggs, beef, chicken and bananas. |
| a process called "consolidation." Most memory | | | | 4. Exercise. Exercise can help your whole body work |
| diseases involve the steady deterioration of | | | | more efficiently. A short exercise break every 30 to |
| consolidation, so it may be easier to call on ancient | | | | 50 minutes can help push oxygen around your body |
| memories and not be able to store any new ones. | | | | and to your brain. |
| Can anything be done to enhance your ability to | | | | 5. Drink lots of water or non-caffeinated drinks. Even |
| store memories? Five tips that generally improve | | | | a small degree of dehydration can reduce alertness. |
| memory are: | | | | Some day you may use that glass of water to take |
| | | | a pill designed to protect your memory. |
| 1. Deal with stress. Continuous stress produces | | | | |