Dr. Curtis Cripe: Brain Exercises to Boost Memory

Dr. Curtis Cripe: How to Keep Your Brain Sharp

The adage "use it or lose it" applies not only to our body but also to our brain. We know that regular physical activity is important. As we age, we want to reduce our risk of developing health issues associated with aging. For instance, strength training can help build muscle and increase bone density, per the Mayo Clinic; functional and balance exercises can help prevent falls, per MedlinePlus; and moderate-to-vigorous exercise can help make you limber, according to the National Institute on Aging (NIA).

Similarly, cognitive reserve — your brain's ability to withstand neurological damage caused by aging without showing signs of memory loss or slowing — can also benefit from cognitive and physical exercise. 

Dr. Curtis Cripe, head of NTL Group's research and development, shares three exercises that boost your memory. While there's no guaranteed way to prevent all memory loss, these exercises can be helpful in keeping your mind strong and your memory sharp.

Test your recall. 

Make a list of items to buy or things to do — and memorize them. An hour later, see how many things you can recall. For more mental stimulation, make the list as challenging as possible. One small study suggested that writing and organizing lists helped older adults recall items more effectively.

Let the music play. 

Join a choir or take up a musical instrument. Dr. Curtis Cripe says learning complex skills is good for the aging brain. A review published in The Gerontologist suggested that musical activities (taking piano lessons or singing in a choir) may help promote healthy brain aging, though further research is needed.

Solve math problems in your head. 

Solve math problems without a pencil, calculator, or computer, adds Dr. Curtis Cripe. A study published in Advances in Experimental Medicine and Biology suggested that mathematical problem-solving positively affected adult cognition. You can make this exercise more challenging — and athletic — by walking simultaneously.

Dr. Curtis Cripe is the director of the NTL Group research and development team. For more information, click on this link.