Book review: Achieving Optimal Memory

Achieving Optimal Memory by Aaron Nelson

Review by David Barfield, March 2007. Based on a brief review including the big ideas and a few specific that caught my attention (including e.g. the SQ3R method for study below).

Optimal Memory is a function of optimum health (exercise, good nutrition, be active, etc). See list below.

  • It is normal to worry if forgetfulness is a problem.
  • Current memory medications. No cure alls. Slight improvements. More promising things on the horizon.

Aging mostly effects working memory, processing speed, attention to detail, remember specific facts and special information, details of specific events (e.g. where you park your car), multi-tasking, complex visual tasks.

Aging has less effect on attention, language, procedures (e.g. riding a bike), reasoning, will power, creativity, wisdom.

Optimal Memory is a function of Optimum Health.

  • Obtain regular exercise
  • Put out the cigarettes
  • Take vitamins, esp. C, B and E.
  • Involve yourself with others
  • Maintain healthy nutrition
  • Aim for a good night’s sleep
  • Learn something new
  • Moderate alcohol intake
  • Engage in life! Minimize passive activities (TV)
  • Manage stress
  • Organize your thinking, organize your life
  • Routine take precautions to protect your brain
  • Yes you can! Maintain a positive attitude

Strategy for remembering things:

  • Get organizing. Place of things, PDA’s, maps available, clutter free environment
  • Focus – ask to repeat (ability to process is slowed), re-read, repeat back what you heard, insure comprehension, make a note
  • Do it now if you can (you can only store so much)
  • Use mnemonics and associations
  • Chunking information (organize into groups)
  • Loci for speeches. Associate key points with specifics on a specific routes, rooms of house, months of year, etc.

SQ3R method for studying a textbook or lengthy profession material, p 180-1 (copy)

  • Survey – overview, skim, good over graphics, conclusions.
  • Question – what do you want to get out of the book?
  • Read – for comprehension. Not too many notes or underlining.
  • Recite – read aloud, tell others.
  • Review a day or two later.

The book also covers

  • Tests of memory
  • When to see a doctor
  • Mental disorders
  • Memory mediations (current and on the horizon)

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