Modern Tools and Gadgets to Improve Memory

For a long time, many people argued that when it came to brains and memory, we were pretty much stuck with the abilities we were born with. However, growing evidence suggests that memory can be improved with training, and there are many tools and gadgets available to help you do it.

Brain training games

Brain training games have received a lot of attention and have grown into a lucrative industry. For instance, Nintendo released a series of brain training games, the best known of which, Brain Training, was developed with Japanese neuroscientist Dr. Ryuta Kawashima. Games like these usually require a specific game console, which means buying both the console and the game. Those costs can add up.

Memory training software

The good news is that there's an alternative to console games: memory improvement software you can install on a computer you already own. The best thing about memory software is that it often includes many different games that target different aspects of memory, such as your sense of direction and visual memory. In the long run, this can be much cheaper than buying a console and several separate games.

Puzzle cards

Many people spend a few minutes (or hours) each day doing crossword puzzles to keep their minds sharp. There are also packs of puzzle cards, which are even more convenient while traveling. The cards often include probability questions and letter sequences where you have to guess the next letter.

The main drawback of these cards is that sooner or later you'll know the answer to every puzzle. When that happens, they stop challenging your mind and are no longer helpful to your memory training. To keep the challenge fresh, you'll have to get a new set of cards each time you master the old one.

Gadgets aren't the only option. See these inexpensive ways to improve memory.