Memory Improvement Tips Blog

Feb 4, Memorizing with Images

Sat, 04 Feb 2012 04:07:09 GMT

I spent a few hours today strolling through my local natural history museum admiring the exhibits. Of course, I also took the opportunity to memorize interesting facts about minerals, fossils, technology, etc. It was quite fun. The basic technique underlying many powerful memory techniques is what I call visualization & association. That's what I used primarily today. Essentially, you associate silly, memorable mental pictures with the sound of the fact you want to remember. This creates a powerful mental hook (the image) that helps you remember the fact later. Most people remember images much better than abstract facts. (For instance, you can easily picture the layout and contents of any room in your house without even trying.) Visualization and association leverages this truth about human memory to create "mental hooks" that you can use to retrieve information from long-term memory later. Scientists say the main problem with memory isn't the encoding step or storage step. It's in the retrieval step. Tying silly mental images to the facts you want to remember adds that extra label or hook to the information so down the road you can fish it out of your memory banks more easily. The next time you want or need to memorize an unfriendly abstract fact - turn it into a silly, memorable image!

Feb 3, List of Free Memory Games

Fri, 03 Feb 2012 03:42:35 GMT

I've added a page that lists all the free memory games on my site in one place. If you're looking for brain games that train your short-term memory or your ability to memorize lists, patterns, locations of items, or people's faces, be sure to check it out!

Jan 28, Absentminded SGT

Sat, 28 Jan 2012 14:02:40 GMT

This has been one of my most difficult challenges and I suppose the ironic part of it is that I go through upswings where I remember things better than

Jan 21, Backgammon - I've added a better version

Sat, 21 Jan 2012 15:39:35 GMT

Just wanted to let everyone know - I've replaced the "Easy Backgammon" game with a much better version. As more than one visitor had pointed out, the old backgammon game did not handle doubles correctly. It also did not let you choose a level of difficulty. The new version allows you to choose "easy" or "hard" level of play. It manages doubles correctly and follows the other rules of backgammon properly. The new backgammon has a 15-second advertisement at the beginning, but the game itself is very well done. I think you'll enjoy it!

Jan 17, Lumosity complaints

Tue, 17 Jan 2012 23:42:28 GMT

I was reading about Lumosity online brain training and found complaints related to subscription cancellation and customer service. Any input? Thanks.

Jan 8, Post-Stroke Memory Tips

Sun, 08 Jan 2012 02:18:23 GMT

I have four: 1. Organizing the materials for my next project and putting them somewhere where I'll see them reminds me of the next task I want to accomplish.

Jan 4, Forgetting faces

Wed, 04 Jan 2012 01:11:06 GMT

I seem to forget the faces of people I meet. Recently I went to a new place for a hair cut, the barber and I got talking and had a nice friendly chat during

Jan 3, Vitamins for age-related memory loss?

Tue, 03 Jan 2012 20:31:50 GMT

I am 70 years old and am experiencing age-related memory loss. Would you recommend 2-3 vitamins that you consider the best? Thanks very much, Larry

Dec 26, Aqua Bubble Game - Play Free Now

Mon, 26 Dec 2011 17:54:21 GMT

Free version of the Aqua Bubble game, a popular internet bubble-popping game. Shoot colored bubbles to make three of a kind and clear each level. This game trains concentration and rapid decision making. Strengthening these skills can improve performance while at work, when studying, and during everyday tasks.

Dec 8, Free Bubble Breaker Game - Bubble Hit

Thu, 08 Dec 2011 00:22:43 GMT

Bubble Hit is a fun bubble breaker game that strengthens concentration. Shoot colored bubbles to make three-or-mores and clear the screen.

Dec 3, Brain Racer - Free Math Flash Game

Sat, 03 Dec 2011 03:24:42 GMT

This Brain Racer math flash game makes reviewing math facts fun! Get to the finish line first by solving basic math problems quickly.

Nov 29, Can Speed Reading Increase Comprehension?

Tue, 29 Nov 2011 16:39:04 GMT

Contrary to expectation, my foray into speed reading seems to have increased my reading comprehension.

Lately I've been learning to speed read. (See "Speed Reading Tip" below.) I assumed my comprehension would go down the faster I read. Instead, what I've found is that I'm understanding and remembering the material much better.

My insight: reading too slowly lowers comprehension because your mind literally gets bogged down by the words on the page. Try reading the paragraphs below at a snail's pace, with lots of pauses. You may see what I mean.

When I read quickly, the ideas expressed in the writing seem to come through louder and clearer. The impression I get as I speed read (using my finger as a pacer) is that my mind focuses more on absorbing meaning and less on parsing actual sentence structure.

In addition, faster reading stitches material closer in time. It's as if when reading slowly I have a tendency to forget connections from previous paragraphs or pages - because they were read too long ago (relatively). This "delay" makes it harder to connect what I'm reading at the moment with story lines/arguments presented earlier.

The best way to remember a novel is to read it straight through. The worst is to read a page a day, or allow days or weeks to lapse as you read through parts. You must get the material into your mind within a reasonably period for it to hang together.

Obviously you can read too fast. There is a point of diminishing returns. But I'm quite surprised and pleased to discover that speeding things up to a certain degree helps me remember the content better.

The elimination of unnecessary and distracting fixations and regressions via the finger pacer is clearly instrumental in achieving this effect.

Nov 20, Dual N-Back Benefits Are Long Lasting

Sun, 20 Nov 2011 23:57:54 GMT

I was startled by the result of today's Dual N-Back brain training session. Even though I'd skipped a couple weeks of training, my n-back memory score actually went up!

The benefits of dual n-back training thus appear to be relatively long lasting. In fact, my score today (1078, N level 3.30), broke my previous high score by more than 8 percent (997, N level 3.15).

The Dual N-Back exercise is the only brain game ever demonstrated by research to raise a person's IQ, through increases in working memory and fluid intelligence. In other words, studies show that improvements in this game transfer to general intelligence.

Want a more powerful brain? Complete 20 sessions of the free Dual N-Back game on my site every day. (Takes about 20 minutes.) It's the very best brain training exercise known to science.

My busy schedule knocked me out of the habit temporarily. But today's result reminded me how powerful Dual N-Back really is. The game is not "fun" by any means, but I am now more determined than ever to make Dual N-Back training a permanent, daily habit.

Nov 18, Brain Games Troubleshooting

Fri, 18 Nov 2011 02:37:09 GMT

Over the next few days, I'll be optimizing the free brain games to improve performance. If you have any trouble loading the games during this time, please try the following:

1. While viewing the game page, press the F5 key on your keyboard. This will refresh your browser and update the code.

2. Try opening the game on a different browser. For example, if you normally use FireFox, try the game on Google Chrome.

If the steps above don't work and you still have trouble with a game, feel free to send me a message through the form on my Contact Me page.

In your message, include as many details about the problem as you can (such as browser name, any error messages or blank screens, time of day, etc.). This will help me troubleshoot the issue.

Nov 16, Speed Reading Tip

Wed, 16 Nov 2011 16:26:42 GMT

Lately I've been working through the speed reading course "Breakthrough Rapid Reading," by Peter Kump. Here's a powerful tip to increase your reading speed:

Use your finger as a reading "pacer".

Don't children point at words when they read? Why go back to that?

Because it solves two big problems:

1) Eye fixations
2) Regressions

Read this paragraph slowly. Pay attention to your eye movements. Your eyes do not glide smoothly. They jump from word to word. These pauses, these "fixations", decrease your reading rate.

"Regressions" also slow you down. The next time you read a book or other long material, notice how often you re-read sentences. Going back to re-read is a regression.

Regressions occur because you did not absorb the first time. Unnecessary regressions waste time, decreasing your overall reading speed.

Reading with your finger as a pacer eliminates fixations. (Try it, you'll see). It also decreases regressions.

I point with my index finger. Some people use their whole hand. Either way, sweep your finger or hand under the words as you read them.

Use your finger as a built-in speed-reading tool. You'll likely double your reading speed or better.

Nov 11, Free Bubble Pop Game - Bubble Trouble!

Fri, 11 Nov 2011 03:40:35 GMT

Bubble Trouble is a bubble pop game that trains concentration and reaction time. Burst all the bubbles on each level with your arrows, but don't let any bubbles touch you.

Oct 22, Angry Bird Game - Play Free Now

Sat, 22 Oct 2011 02:47:08 GMT

Angry Birds first swept the mobile world. Now here is a free internet version of the Angry Bird game you can play on your computer.

Oct 18, Coma leads to short-term memory loss

Tue, 18 Oct 2011 21:47:37 GMT

I was in a coma for three months and my short term memory is shot and getting worse as the years go by. I'm learning to be proactive about it though.

Oct 16, All teeth pulled, affecting memory?

Sun, 16 Oct 2011 01:20:58 GMT

I had all my teeth pulled last year. Could this be why I can't remember things I should remember? That's when my problem started. Doug's Reply. Surprisingly,

Oct 12, Use video games to place things in order

Wed, 12 Oct 2011 02:50:36 GMT

I like to play Call of Duty. I know the maps by heart because I have absorbed them by playing them over and over again. It takes no time at all to call

Oct 12, Difficulty in applying Memory Systems

Wed, 12 Oct 2011 02:21:28 GMT

Hi! I felt the need to improve my memory, so I did a memory course and after searching the internet for more information I found your site, a very useful

Sep 29, Increase my brain memory

Thu, 29 Sep 2011 23:04:10 GMT

Everybody in my classroom learn well. For example, teacher said to the students, everybody should tomorrow learn all questions. All students learn the

Sep 23, Son, mother is forgetful

Fri, 23 Sep 2011 22:46:04 GMT

My name is Phil. My mother Catherine is 87 years old. Up until the last two years my mother has been very active and now she calls us in the early morning

Sep 8, Mother of daughter with short term memory

Thu, 08 Sep 2011 22:16:47 GMT

My daughter is 39 in a few days. It was 14 years ago as she was graduating from college that she was diagnosed with a brain tumor. She had to undergo treatments

Sep 1, How this site helped me learn faster

Thu, 01 Sep 2011 19:11:01 GMT

I recently discovered this site, and I must say that all the information I gained is very useful. Most important, I learned how to study effectively. Now

Aug 20, Free Kids Memory Game - Ben 10 Monster Cards

Sat, 20 Aug 2011 18:01:23 GMT

Here is a fun kids memory game with a Ben 10 monster theme. This is a timed concentration card game with three levels of difficulty.

Aug 18, Why isn't memory loss classed as a disability

Thu, 18 Aug 2011 14:18:47 GMT

Hello, I'm a 39 year old man. When I was 16 years old I got severe head aches and double vision which I got checked by my GP, he then sent me to hospital

Aug 17, Problems loading the games? Try these troubleshooting steps.

Wed, 17 Aug 2011 20:49:00 GMT

I have tested all the brain games on this site. If you are having problems loading the games, check these settings on your browser.

Aug 3, Free Mahjong Solitaire - Marine Solitaire Game

Wed, 03 Aug 2011 03:38:53 GMT

This colorful and soothing free mahjong solitaire game trains concentration and visual perception. In Marine Mahjong, remove all matching ocean-themed tiles to clear the board.

Jul 30, Millionaire TV Show Game - Who Wants to Be a Millionaire?

Sat, 30 Jul 2011 23:10:49 GMT

This millionaire TV show game duplicates Who Wants to Be a Millionaire, the quiz show where you are asked a series of questions at different cash levels. Play free now!

Jul 30, How long to train Dual N-Back

Sat, 30 Jul 2011 20:19:32 GMT

Thanks for website, lots of good stuff. One question in regard to the Dual N-back game. You state that it needs to be done 20 minutes per day. Does that

Jul 19, Personal Brain - Free Software to Organize Your Mind

Tue, 19 Jul 2011 14:56:20 GMT

Easily organize and track of all your projects and activities with Personal Brain, an incredible free software package that brings dynamic mind-mapping to your computer.

Jul 18, How this site helps for school prep

Mon, 18 Jul 2011 18:36:58 GMT

I'm a young person and I'm heading into high school in September. This site teaches me ways to study. I can prepare my mind now so that when September

Jul 14, Only 23, but should it be this bad?

Thu, 14 Jul 2011 18:21:34 GMT

Where to begin?.. I've brought it up to my doc but he says maybe you just have a bad memory. But can it be underlining for something else, or could it

Jun 25, 50 year old man with TBI

Sat, 25 Jun 2011 02:01:01 GMT

I had an ATV accident in Sep 08. Was in a severe coma for 3 months. I have bad short-term memory still... and looking to improve it. Peoples names seem

Jun 12, Lifelong memory and imagination problems

Sun, 12 Jun 2011 14:27:51 GMT

I am really tired of my memory problems... My problems are: 1) I forget very quickly even next second. I don't remember any instructions given to me.

Jun 11, Backgammon Windows Game - Play Free Now

Sat, 11 Jun 2011 16:48:57 GMT

This free backgammon windows game trains concentration and logical reasoning. Backgammon is an ancient, classic board game that never goes out of style.

Jun 8, Bloons Game - Play Free Now!

Wed, 08 Jun 2011 02:18:13 GMT

This Bloons game trains logical reasoning and concentration. Aim your darts to pop the most balloons possible. This game includes 50 levels of free Bloons fun.

May 31, Stackopolis - Free Brain Game

Tue, 31 May 2011 02:29:44 GMT

Stackopolis trains concentration and quick thinking. Stack the blocks in exactly the right configuration to build a new section of the city. You're on a timer, so there's no time to waste!

May 15, Free Pacman Online Math Game

Sun, 15 May 2011 17:39:44 GMT

Math Man combines the video game fun of classic Pacman with brain-bending math equations. In this free Pacman online math game, you have to solve a math problem before you can gobble up each ghost! Play free now.

May 12, My best friend has a brain tumor

Thu, 12 May 2011 20:32:49 GMT

This past New Year, I discovered my best friend has a brain tumor. He's only 17. Apparently it had been developing for the past three years and only started

May 5, Daughter has no short term memory

Thu, 05 May 2011 18:13:15 GMT

In April of 2010 my daughter had brain tumor surgery. Since then she has no short-term memory, and anxiety attacks. This is very stressful on her and her

May 4, Free UNO Online Card Game - Play Against the Computer

Wed, 04 May 2011 20:11:44 GMT

This UNO online card game is a colorful, 3-player version of the classic UNO card game. Here you play against two computer opponents. Play free now!

Apr 27, Mother's memory loss from brain tumor

Wed, 27 Apr 2011 18:44:47 GMT

I am the daughter of a mother whom has recently gone through surgery that involved the removal of a tumor near her brain. For the last half year, my mother's

Apr 21, Circuitry Puzzle Game - Free Brain Game

Thu, 21 Apr 2011 18:21:51 GMT

Circuitry is back! This Circuitry puzzle game is a very challenging logic puzzle that really gives your brain a workout. Play free online now.

Apr 19, Memorize State Capitals the Fun and Easy Way

Tue, 19 Apr 2011 22:00:42 GMT

If you want to memorize state capitals, make use of this powerful truth: Your brain remembers pictures much better than words.

Apr 12, Law Student Uses Memory Techniques

Tue, 12 Apr 2011 23:42:32 GMT

I was trying to memorize law the old fashion way (flipping through flashcards) and having little luck trying to remember blocks of information. However,

Apr 3, Do the mini games really work?

Sun, 03 Apr 2011 14:43:27 GMT

Do it really work to be smart with the mini games? I always wanted to get super smart but i think is hard. But i hope u answer. Doug's Reply. The path

Mar 30, Unwanted Thoughts

Wed, 30 Mar 2011 14:09:14 GMT

My question is how to control unwanted thoughts. For example, when I am doing something at work, unrelevant thoughts are invading into my mind. How to

Mar 27, Animal Memory Game - Brain Power Zoo

Sun, 27 Mar 2011 00:27:38 GMT

Brain Power Zoo, an animal memory game played with cards, trains attention span and short-term memory. Memorize the animal cards shown at the top, then click the animal pictures at the bottom in the correct order. Play free now!