MedlinePlus Medical Encyclopedia: Remembering tips

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Remembering tips

Contents of this page:
Illustrations Alternative Names	Information References

Illustrations

Memory tips

Alternative Names Return to top

Memory aids

Information Return to top

Here are tips to help you remember:

Associate, or link, the word or thing you are trying to remember to something else. For example, if Alex introduces you to Patty, you might remember them as A and P.
Repeat what you want to remember.
Make lists, either on paper or in your head.
Think of faces when trying to remember names.
Read a lot if you have trouble remembering words. Keep a dictionary close by.
If you can't remember something at first, relax and try again.
Take part in activities that stimulate the mind, such as crossword puzzles and board games. This helps keep the nerve cells in the brain active, which is very important as you get older.
Reduce the amount of alcohol you drink. Alcohol can make it hard to remember things.
Talk to your doctor about your medications. Certain drugs can affect your memory.

See also:

References Return to top

Verghese J, Lipton RB, Katz MJ. Leisure activities and the risk of dementia in the elderly. N Engl J Med. 2003 Jun 19;348(25):2508-16.

Update Date: 7/27/2007

Updated by: Benjamin W. Van Voorhees, MD, MPH, Assistant Professor of Medicine, Pediatrics and Psychiatry, The University of Chicago, Chicago, IL. Review provided by VeriMed Healthcare Network.

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