Trevor Ponder Human Memory

Can human beings rev up their intelligence quotients, or are they stuck with IQs set by their genes at birth? Until recently, nature seemed to be the clear winner over nurture.

But new research, led by Swiss postdoctoral fellows Susanne M. Jaeggi and Martin Buschkuehl, working at the University of Michigan in Ann Arbor, suggests that at least one aspect of a person’s IQ can be improved by training a certain type of memory.

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See for yourself by trying Trevor Ponder’s training programs:
http://www.memoryonfire.com – audio book
http://www.elementsofmemory.com – PDF book
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Most IQ tests attempt to measure two types of
intelligence–crystallized and fluid intelligence. Crystallized
intelligence draws on existing skills, knowledge and experiences to
solve problems by accessing information from long-term memory.

Fluid intelligence, on the other hand, draws on the ability to
understand relationships between various concepts, independent of
any previous knowledge or skills, to solve new problems. The
research shows that this part of intelligence can be improved
through memory training.

“When it comes to improving intelligence, many researchers have
thought it was not possible,” says Jaeggi. “Our findings clearly
show this is not the case. Our brain is more plastic than we might
think.”

Jaeggi, Buschkuehl and Walter Perrig from Bern University,
Switzerland, along with Jon Jonides, their National Science
Foundation-supported colleague from the University of Michigan,
reasoned that just as crystallized intelligence relies on long-term
memory, fluid intelligence relies on short-term memory, or “working
memory,” as it is more accurately called. This is the same type of
memory people use to remember a phone number or an e-mail address
for a short time, but beyond that, working memory refers to the
ability to both manipulate and use information briefly stored in
the mind in the face of distraction.

Researchers gathered four groups of volunteers and trained their
working memories using a complex training task called “dual n-back
training,” which presented both auditory and visual cues that
participants had to temporarily store and recall.

Participants received the training during a half hour session held
once a day for either eight, 12, 17 or 19 days.  For each of these
training periods, researchers tested participants’ gains in fluid
intelligence. They compared the results against those of control
groups to be sure the volunteers actually improved their fluid
intelligence, not merely their test-taking skills.
The results were surprising. While the control groups made gains,
presumably because they had practice with the fluid intelligence
tests, the trained groups improved considerably more than the
control groups. Further, the longer the participants trained, the
larger were their intelligence gains.

“Our findings clearly show that training on certain memory tasks
transfer to fluid intelligence,” says Jaeggi. “We also find that
individuals with lower fluid intelligence scores at pre-test could
profit from the training.”

The results are significant because improved fluid intelligence
scores could translate into improved general intelligence as
measured by IQ tests. General intelligence is a key to determining
life outcomes such as academic success, job performance and
occupational advancement.

Researchers also surmise that this same type of memory training may
help children with developmental problems and older adults who face
memory decline. But, that remains to be seen, because the test
results are based on assessments of young, healthy adult
participants.

“Even though it currently appears very hard to improve these
conditions, there might be some memory training related to
intelligence that actually helps,” says Jaeggi. “The saying ‘use it
or lose it’ is probably appropriate here.”
via the NSF

Human Brain Memory improve memory, memory training, NSF

Because scientists are still researching the ins and outs of human memory it is difficult to say how it works and how it can be enhanced. Nevertheless, there are a number of natural substances that have been thoroughly studied over the last few years which have been shown to have a positive effect on human memory. One of my assistants was able to collect the following information. But before you read this, or take any action, you must understand that you should always consult your physician – this email is for educational purposes only and I do not take any liability in your use of these.

Some substances you might want to research more include:

· Epicatechin – scientific testing has shown that this naturally occurring flavinol – which is found in tea, cocoa, grapes and blueberries – produces a significant functional change in the area of the brain that is commonly associated with memory and learning. Scientists now believe that a diet rich in Epicetechin could help to reduce the prevalence of neurodegenerative diseases in later life.

· Club moss – this has been used in Chinese medicine for centuries however it has only recently been discovered that the herb contains two active ingredients – huperzine A and huperzine B – which help to prevent the breakdown of acetylcholine in the brain. Acetylcholine is a vital neurotransmitter that conveys messages from one nerve cell to another and is thought to be involved in the movement of memories from short term to long term storage and back again. Club moss can be drunk as a tea on a daily basis or taken as a tablet or capsule.

· Ginkgo Biloba – this herb has many functions however it is probably best known for its brain boosting abilities. It has been shown to improve memory and reduce the symptoms of senility and dementia. This is thought to occur because Ginkgo has a dilating effect on the blood vessels of the body and so when taken regularly it can increase the blood flow to the brain and therefore the amount of oxygen as well.

· Rosemary – this herb has been used in cooking for thousands of years and recently it has been touted as a very good memory enhancer. Rosemary contains an active ingredient called carnosic acid which has potent antioxidant properties. When taken over a period of time, the antioxidant ingredient helps to combat free radicals in the body – which are thought to contribute to premature aging and memory loss. The herb also contains a substance called acetylcholinestrase inhibitor which again prevents the breakdown of acetylcholine in the brain’s cells.

· Gotu Kola – this herb has been used in Chinese and Indian medicine for centuries and is now available as tablets and capsules. It contains strong antioxidants that help to rid the body, and especially the brain, from the damaging effects of free radicals. Free radicals are thought to contribute to cellular death and premature memory loss as a consequence.

· Vitamin B complex – the B vitamins are required by the body for many reasons, one of which is that they help the neurotransmitter acetylcholine to work as it should in the brain. They also assist with the transporting of oxygen to the brain via the blood system and so a vitamin B deficiency can result in slow thinking and poor memory. Vitamin B is found in high quantities in lentils, soybeans, liver and eggs plus it is widely available as a dietary supplement.

These are just some of the natural substances that have been found to help with memory enhancement. No doubt there are many more in the world but until they are researched more thoroughly you’ll have to stick with these.

Memory Techniques improve memory, memory food

A man was once heard saying his memory was dramatically improved by the pills his Doctor had given him. Now if only he could remember to take the pills everyday he would be great!

Everyone at one time or another has had that nagging feeling of forgetting something. Where did you set your keys down? You wrote a grocery list out somewhere, where did you put it? Perhaps you were thinking of a new movie you wanted to go and see but you can’t remember the title of the movie?

Our lives happen at a frantic pace. School, sports, work, families, there are so many things going on it can be difficult to keep up. Many people use calendars, electronic organizers, and computer software to try to keep them on task.

The problem is, as great as all of these tools are, they rely on the people who use them to put in the information required. So you have to remember everything in the first place so you can then forget it and let your computer organizer remember for you.

It sounds complicated but the more you can write down and “forget”, the better off you are. Have you ever met someone who was always on time, organized, and had a great memory? The chances are they didn’t have that great of a memory they just had a great follow up system that allowed their memory to remain uncluttered.

If you are like most people and have a very hectic life, you have a hard time remembering everything. When you meet somebody for the first time, are you thinking about memorizing their name? The chances are you are thinking about something else. Did you feed the dog this morning? Is the iron off or did you leave it on? Did you pay the mortgage?

Many people say they are bad with names but that isn’t the real issue. The problem is they don’t concentrate when they meet someone long enough to try to remember their name.

There are many different organizational systems and books written on how to better organize yourself. No matter what system you choose, make sure you pick one you can stick with. A sheet of paper with a list on it is better than nothing.

With a system of organizing you don’t have to constantly be thinking about what you need to do. You can focus on other things such as your kids, their friends, your friends, your career.

You also need to make sure you are getting enough quality sleep, the right amount of nutritious meals each day, and some exercise, even if it’s just walking 20-30 minutes a day. You see the effects on cars when they are not properly maintained; your body and mind aren’t any different.

Keeping yourself fueled, rested, and exercised will help your memory and the sharpness of your thoughts. It is much easier to have a great memory when you are feeling good about yourself and your life.

http://www.elementsofmemory.com

Lifestyle for Better Memory improve memory, Memory Loss