Memory training is derived from the Greek word μνήμη mnémē, memory, and is also known as mnemonics. In order to make training as effective and meaningful as possible, a wide variety of techniques are used to improve the storage of information as well as the memorization and retention of that information. The popular mnemonics are one such method from memory training.
What is memory training?
Cognitive training challenges not only brain and memory performance, but also other mental cognitive functions such as concentration, judgment, and language. Memory training refers to all measures that promote and maintain cognitive abilities in a fun and motivating way. This is done with memo techniques, special exercises to train and activate memory. Neuroplasticity enables healthy people to acquire knowledge and skills, but it also helps to address pathological changes in the brain and to make better use of damaged areas of the brain or to activate intact areas. Neuroplasticity changes and repairs synapses and brain areas. Cognitive training such as memory training stimulates these vital neuroplastic processes. Cognitive training challenges not only brain and memory performance, but also other mental cognitive functions such as concentration, judgment and language.
Function, effect and goals
Memory training is well known in the context of the elderly and diseases such as dementia, but regular memory training is independent of age. The daily brain teaser or Sudoku puzzle are important in everyday life. To improve mental performance there are different techniques, depending on the context or individual goals. Memory training is especially crucial for patients with early-stage dementia, because consistent and targeted memory training can delay the progression of the disease, but also build on the memory skills that are still available. Particular attention is paid to the ability to concentrate and remember, but word-finding skills and decision-making ability are also important areas, especially when dealing with patients with dementia and helpful for relatives or caring and medical staff. Thinking in context and associative thinking are important. Memory training is also well suited to giving older people a sense of achievement in their daily lives, because it increases their self-esteem and involves them in social life. It also breaks boredom and keeps vocabulary fit. Memory training starts with children, however, with tried-and-tested games such as memory or dominoes, as well as in rehabilitation. Using various techniques, the brain is regularly asked to exercise and new synapses are formed in the process. A well-known example is the planetary sequence, which uses the sentence “My father explains our night sky to me every Sunday” in a simple, straightforward way, starting with the sun, the first initial letter of every word indicates the planets. Based on order, fixed sequence and pictures, memorization is much easier. In association chains, the learning terms are strung together to form a story. Learning new languages and vocabulary is also easier when key words that sound similar are stored with a picture. Another effective method in memory training is the so-called number-symbol system, in which consonants are assigned to digits and thus receive a more memorable link. Similarly, this is based on the alphabet method, which is based on a memory framework associated with a fixed linked image. The loci method is a well-known association technique from ancient and medieval times that can be applied without much effort. Each concept is given a fixed place, a variable, but they are subject to a certain structure. Simply explained: for remembering certain terms, for example, a walk can be designed, which is associated with points that are passed during this walk. However, these points are not real places or objects, but the required learning terms in each case. The memory palace works in a similar way.
Risks, side effects and dangers
In general, there are no risks or side effects in memory training, but depending on the target group and their needs, care should be taken that memory training is without pressure and based only on voluntariness. There should be no overchallenge, but also no underchallenge, and the exercises offered should be appropriate to the performance level. Meaning is at any age a playful challenge and the promotion of cognitive abilities in general. In groups, performance pressure can easily arise due to the pace of the other participants, which can have a counterproductive effect on increasing the actual goal. Above all, it can have a negative effect that those affected process their deficits negatively, although the memory training has a different intention. Fun and a balanced relationship of different degrees of difficulty and demand of the respective exercise in the memory training are in the foreground. Another factor that is decisive is the condition of the day, because memory training can also be exhausting and thus an exercise succeeds much more easily on one day than the day after. Such fluctuations should be pointed out. For the realization of a successful memory training it is recommended to ventilate regularly and to drink water supportingly. If you try many methods of memory training and exercises, you will quickly notice which exercises you like. Nevertheless, care should be taken to complete exercises that are less appreciated, as experience has shown that these exercises particularly target areas for which memory training is very important. The learning effect is also not shown by how quickly an exercise is completed. The decisive factor in memory training is that each exercise is performed consciously in order to increase the effect of the training.
