Naples, FL

Dr. Bill Beckwith Writes
Ten Techniques Guaranteed to Improve Your Memory

I have been getting e-mails regarding my strong belief that mental exercise does not improve memory.  I encourage everyone to practice mental stimulation.  Expanding our experiences is the essence of quality existence.  Challenging our thinking and stretching our imagination adds color to life.  My quarrel is with the statement that doing mental exercises will improve everyday memory.  Here is a list of ten strategies that are guaranteed to improve your memory in everyday life.
 
1. Write important things that you want to remember in your calendar and check it often.  Don’t just put what you have to do in your calendar, put what you love or want to do.  Don’t take for granted that you will remember.  It’s ok to schedule time to read, exercise, do your crosswords, or get a massage.
 
2.  Create a to-do list and be realistic about how much you can really do.  Refresh and update the list each day and check off completed items as you do them.
 
3.  Put things in assigned places.  Make a place for everything and put everything in its place no matter how inconvenient it is or how tired you are.  This is especially true for keys, glasses, and wallets/purses.
 
4.  Put things you want to take with you in prominent places when you think of it.  Think of these as “take away spots” and put the item in the spot when you think of it.  Don’t try to remember.
 
5.  When stumped for a name or word, start by searching the alphabet.  Don’t press yourself as this may delay recall even longer.  If the name doesn’t come soon, move on.
 
6.  Make shopping lists.  Don’t forget to make a plan to remember to take them with you.
 
7.  Take notes to help you remember.  Organize the notes and keep them in convenient places for review.  Review and update the notes often as this adds practice and repetition to help fix the memory.
 
8. Say something out loud to remember it.  Say it again after a short time while it is still fresh.  Verbal repletion helps fix the memory.  Better still make a story or a jingle of the information.  Say it into your answering machine to prompt further review.
 
9.  Use a tape recorder.  Tape recorders have become very efficient with multiple tracks for separate times.  Review your recordings often and delete the ones you don’t need any longer.   
 
10. Use a timer or an alarm.  Alarms are not just signals to wake up.  Many cell phones have calendars that allow you to set a time for an alarm to go off to remind you of things like to take your pill at 4:00 or to be at a meeting on time.
 
These techniques are cheap, simple, efficient, and easy to use.  They are available to all of us and they will improve your everyday memory.
 
Arden Courts is pleased to offer a directed discussion group with Dr. Bill Beckwith, Clinical Psychologist.  This group meets on the Third Thursday of each month at 3:00pm at Arden Courts of Lely Palms.  It is free and open to the public with adult day care services onsite.  For additional support group information in Naples, please contact the Alzheimers Support Group at 239-262-8388.
 
Arden Courts is an assisted living community dedicated to caring for individuals with Alzheimer’s and other related dementias.  Arden Courts is part of HCR-ManorCare, which has been named by Fortune Magazine’s Most Admired Companies in Healthcare in 2007 and 2008.  The Most Admired list is the definitive report card on corporate reputations. HCR-ManorCare continues to be a strong and stable company dedicated to providing your loved one with the highest quality in health care services.  Arden Courts is located at 6125 Rattlesnake Hammock Road Naples, Florida 34113.  For more information on the support group or additional Alzheimer’s resource information please contact Michelle Serigne at 239-417-8511.

Arden Courts is located at 6125 Rattlesnake Hammock Road Naples, Florida 34113. 
For more information on the support group or additional Alzheimer’s resource information please contact Michelle Serigne at 239-417-8511.