11 Brain-Based Strategies to Improve Memory

Memory lapses are a common part of life, but they don't have to be a permanent fixture. With the right techniques and strategies, you can improve your memory and keep your brain sharp for years to come. No matter your age, you deserve to make memories and enjoy every moment of your life.

Amen University created the Memory Rescue course to give you the memory help you need. Read on to see which of the 11 practical ways to improve memory you can start right now!

Understanding the BRIGHT MINDS Method

The first step to improving your memory is understanding the 11 major risk factors that affect brain health. But when you start to forget things, it can be tough to remember what to do in what area of your life.

That’s why psychiatrist and brin health expert Dr. Daniel Amen developed the BRIGHT MINDS method to help you identify what areas to address to treat memory loss. Below is a breakdown of the helpful mnemonic before we go through what you can do with it.

B - Blood flow

R - Retirement and aging

I - Inflammation

G - Genetics

H - Head trauma

T - Toxins

M - Mental health

I - Immunity and infections

N - Neurohormone imbalance

D - Diabesity

S - Sleep issues

Now, let’s review the best ways to enhance memory with proactive strategies supporting better cognitive function and physical well-being.

Optimizing Blood Flow to the Brain

Adequate blood flow is crucial for delivering oxygen and nutrients to the brain which you need to prioritize to treat memory loss, let alone live to stay alive. It starts with creating and maintaining habits that improve blood flow naturally, such as regular exercise, maintaining a healthy diet, and managing stress effectively.

Here are a few things to boost memory you can start implementing right now:

• Consume more oxygen-rich whole foods like leafy greens, beetroot, and berries
• Pair strength training with low-intensity cardio for stronger heart and mind
• Integrate deep breathing meditation and restorative yoga to reduce stress

Lifestyle Changes for Retirement and Aging

As you age, your brain undergoes changes that impact memory and spark cognitive decline. However, by adopting specific lifestyle habits that keep your mind and body active, you can boost memory naturally and minimize the effects of aging on the brain.

If you’re already doing these things, you're on the right track. However, if you’re looking for a roadmap to implementing them, Amen University’s Memory Rescue course can help!

Dr. Amen and his wife, bestselling author Tana Amen, share their insights on staying socially active, engaging in lifelong learning, and pursuing hobbies and interests to keep the brain young and thriving.

Reducing Inflammation

Chronic inflammation has been linked to cognitive decline, memory impairment, and even early signs of dementia. You can reduce inflammation in the body and protect your brain from damage as you age, but it has to be a lifestyle change, not a temporary goal. 

With an anti-inflammatory nutrition plan, holistic supplementation, and stress-management techniques, you can boost memory and focus to live a memorable life.

Harnessing the Power of Your Genetics

While genetics play a role in memory and cognitive function, they are not the sole determinants of your brain health. That’s up to you!

Understanding your genetic predispositions and taking the initiative to get ahead of any mental and physical roadblocks is step one.

In the Memory Rescue course, you’ll learn which tests to ask for with your physician to get a clearer picture of your individual needs. It’s about mitigating your genetic risks and optimizing your habits to boost memory naturally.

Protecting Against Head Trauma

This may seem like it doesn’t need to be said, but it’s important to know the impact of various forms of head trauma on the brain. From a mild concussion to blunt force trauma to psychological abuse, brain injuries can have long-lasting effects on memory and cognition.

Your brain is a mix of physical gray matter and chemical reactions that deserve equal care in how you protect them. In the Memory Rescue course, you'll learn strategies to protect your brain from injury, such as wearing protective gear during sports and activities, practicing safe driving habits, and avoiding risky behaviors.

Detoxifying from Harmful Toxins

Environmental toxins have gotten a lot of attention over the last few years for their growing negative impact on our lives. There are a host of other toxins that affect your brain matter and memory loss, including:

• “Forever” plastics
• Insecticides/pesticides
• Second-hand smoke
• Heavy metals
• Alcoholic beverages
• And so much more…

Through detoxification protocols discussed in this course, you can minimize your exposure to toxins and support your body's natural detoxification processes. Decreasing toxic exposure can help improve brain function and memory.

Prioritizing Mental Health

Mental health disorders, such as depression and anxiety, have a profound impact on memory loss and cognitive function. The issue comes from the chemical imbalance that comes from chronic stress, which is the number-one risk factor for most diseases that lead to early death.

The good news is that more than ever before, there are options to find professional help to assess your mental health. In addition to seeking care from a licensed mental health practitioner, there are many ways to implement self-care habits that strengthen your mental resilience.

Boosting Immunity and Fighting Infections

Immune system dysfunction and chronic infections can contribute to cognitive decline and memory loss. But all is not lost!

You can begin to improve those autoimmune issues like chronic fatigue syndrome or infections like Lyme disease, which have a higher risk of memory problems. In this lesson, you’ll learn to heal your immune system to fight off infection-related damage and improve memory and focus.

Balancing Neurohormones

Hormonal imbalances affect memory, mood, energy, focus, and cognition. Essentially, when your hormones are out of whack, so is everything else.

 In the Memory Rescue course, Dr. Daniel and Tana Amen go over how low levels of certain hormones put you at greater risk for brain fog and memory loss. Through the recommended hormone testing and personalized treatment plans from the Memory Rescue course, you can restore balance to your neurohormones.

Managing Diabesity

Diabetes and obesity are significant risk factors for cognitive decline and memory loss. The first thing you can do is get your blood work done to ensure you know exactly what your body does and doesn’t need. This way, you can improve your daily nutrition to manage your blood sugar levels.

 The key is to prevent your body from being in high-stress mode every day, which can overwork your body, increase cortisol, and promote bad nutrition habits. Through diet, exercise, and medication (as needed), you can reduce your risk of developing memory-related complications associated with diabesity.

Start Improving Your Memory Today

Improving memory is within your reach with these strategies, and you can start making that change today! In Amen University’s Memory Rescue course, you can enhance your memory, protect your brain health, and unlock your full potential without fearing the aging process.

Remember, it's never too late to invest in your cognitive well-being and improve memory. Start today and reap the benefits of a sharper, more resilient mind for years to come.

 Sign up for Amen University’s Memory Rescue course now to start enhancing your memory.