#12 Brain Functions Needed to Improve Memory

   In order to achieve your ultimate memory potential, several functions and processes must take place within the brain. To reach this potential, it's best to start by understanding the brain functions needed to improve memory so that you can easily identify what you need to do in order to improve your memory. Below are three brain functions or processes that can improve your memory.

Reduction of Oxidative stress
   Oxidative stress is usually brought about by the presence of free radicals within the body and brain. The effects of these free radicals are supposed to be counteracted by the body’s natural antioxidant: glutathione. Unfortunately, the body often needs more antioxidants than it can produce. Whenever the body fails to obtain the required antioxidants from the diet, oxidative stress within the brain increases thereby accelerating brain aging and allowing the progression of cognitive impairments such as dementia. To prevent this process, you need to make sure you eat adequate amounts of antioxidant-containing foods such as broccoli, peppers, tomatoes, carrots, oranges, and grapefruit.

Neuroplasticity
   Neuroplasticity forms the basis of the techniques and exercises used by memory improvement software such as Ultimate Memory. Neuroplasticity refers to the brain’s ability to change both structurally and functionally due to stimulus from the environment. Since your brain is constantly forming new pathways between the millions of neurons present within the brain, you can improve your memory skills by simply training your brain using memory games.

   There is a lot of scientific evidence to prove the existence of neuroplasticity. For instance, studies show that if you learn how to play a musical instrument, the part of the brain associated with that skill grows. This brain development means that you no longer have to rely on complex mnemonic techniques to remember the skill once you have learned it. That’s why most memory improvement software that has been developed with neuroplasticity in mind seeks to train several areas of the brain, such as those concerned with auditory processing, visual processing and motor skills, all at once.

Reduction of Brain Atrophy
   One of the drawbacks of aging is brain atrophy or brain shrinkage. In order for the mind to remain alert with age, the rate at which the brain is shrinking needs to be reduced. Such a reduction can be achieved through the use of B-Vitamin supplements, and particularly folic acid, Vitamin B12 and Vitamin B6 supplements. In fact, studies have shown that taking B-Vitamin supplements can slow down the rate of brain atrophy by about 30 percent. Once the rate of brain shrinkage has been slowed down, the memory begins to improve.