The brain is still generally somewhat mysterious, and the way memory works is still being studied. Based on the best understanding of the brain available, experts recommend many different methods for memory enhancement, including lifestyle changes, nutritional adjustments, and sometimes specific mental exercises. Some of the more common memory enhancement methods include ingestion of herbal supplements like ginkgo biloba and making an effort to learn new things. There is also an overall focus on keeping the brain active to fight off any tendency towards mental atrophy, especially as people age.
Ginkgo biloba has gotten a lot of heavy promotion as a memory enhancement herb. Some people even believe it can help fight off Alzheimer’s disease, although the research on this is still being debated. The herb can cause an increase in the blood supply for the brain, and many experts believe this can potentially lead to increased cognitive ability in many areas, including memory enhancement. There is also some suggestion that the drug could pose dangers when combined with any medication that thins the blood because of the potential for bleeding in the brain.
Another common focus among memory researchers is to recommend brain exercise for memory enhancement. The basic concept is that the brain is a lot like a muscle in the sense that inactivity might lead to a loss of function. Some of these people believe that mental exercises, such as memory games, can potentially lead to an improvement in brain function. There is some research to support this treatment approach, and many experts use it with people who suffer from severe memory disabilities.
Some people also believe that diet and exercise can lead to memory enhancement. Most people who favor this approach suggest that individuals should ensure that they eat enough fruits and vegetables. There is also a focus on certain nutrients like omega-3 fatty acids. Exercise has the potential to change a person's brain chemistry, and some experts believe that increasing certain chemicals may improve overall brain performance.
Most cognitive scientists believe there are two different kinds of memory. On the one hand, there is short-term memory, which allows people to remember things they’ll only need to recall for minutes or hours. Long-term memory is generally for things that will always be needed or things that are emotionally important. Sometimes memory disabilities will only cause problems for one type of memory, and different treatment approaches are used for different kinds of memory loss.