How Strong Is Your Brain? Try Out These Tricks

Think memory loss won't affect you? Slowed information processing begins by age 30. Finding ways to keep your memory active and challenging your brain now may well help you out in the long run.

Let's try a little game of mental stimulation. See how many words you can find (words should be at least three letters long) in the following scramble: RAESTP. A list of answers can be found at the end of this article.

Maximizing your Memory
Judy Gunkel, Waukesha County's regional service coordinator with the Alzheimer's Association, recently spoke at the Alice Baker Library in Eagle.

According to Beatrice and Sara Seagull, authors of "Mind your Mind," memory is "the ability to store, retain, and retrieve information. It is a fragile power with many limitations and vulnerabilities. It is subjective, inaccurate, and often distorted," said Gunkel.

Gunkel explained that each individual's memory of the same event will be different. For instance, if three people attend the same picnic, one might recall that it was extremely long and boring. Another might recall that it was great fun; while still another would remember that it was a nice day, but not terribly exciting since he or she didn't know anyone at the event.

In other words, memory is individual and skewed to our own perceptions.

Gunkel said it's normal to see changes in memory as one ages. Slowed information processing, difficulty finding words and some forgetfulness are all normal and should not be of concern, she said. Research shows that we forget when we are distracted, tired, stressed, have lots to remember or don't view things as important, all of which can contribute to normal memory loss.

What does remain intact as we age is our intelligence, our ability to learn, our working memory, vocabulary and musical and artistic memory, she said.