Improve Memory Alone or In Groups

Memory Improvement Puzzles and Games for Adults

Jan 17, 2009 Rita Marshall

According to the University of Illinois, age-related memory loss begins in adults around the ages of 35 to 40. Here are some puzzles and games to help improve memory.

Adults can use puzzles and games for memory improvement because the human brain is able to change its structure and functions when engaged. While card games such as memory and solitaire are traditional ways to improve memory, know that there are online and electronic memory puzzles and games for adults as well.

Traditional and Electronic Ways to Improve Memory

A group of older adults who played the strategic video game Rise of Nations displayed improved cognitive functions, the University of Illinois psychology department announced in the December 2008 issue of Psychology and Aging. “This is one mode in which older people can stay mentally fit, cognitively fit,” U of I psychology professor Arthur Kramer said in a Dec. 2008 press release.

“I’m not suggesting, however, that it’s the only thing they should do,” Kramer added, mentioning exercising, eating well and socializing as other vital ways of maintaining cognitive function and improving memory. Adults may want to consider inviting some friends and acquaintances over, serving a healthy meal and improving everyone's memory by playing one of the following games.

Memory Improvement Group Games for Adults

  • Trivial Pursuit or any other trivia board game
  • Card Games - Anticipating other players’ moves and strategizing one’s own are ways to improve memory.
  • “Out of Sight” – One player looks around the room and then closes his or her eyes. The other players ask a question regarding something in the room. What color were the curtains? What magazine was on the coffee table?
  • WordJong Party – This Nintendo Wii wordplay game includes a 4-player mode.
  • “The Story” - Place a random group of objects on a table. The first person picks up an object and creates a sentence for a story. The second person picks up another object and builds on to the story with his or her own sentence. Once all the objects have been used, they’re removed from sight and players try to remember the entire story.
  • Big Brain Academy – A game on the handheld Nintendo DS, "Big Brain Academy" offers puzzles and games in five categories: think, memorize, analyze, compute, and identify. Up to 8 players can compete against each other.

One Player Games to Improve Memory

  • Online Games at MSN and Yahoo – Play online for free or download. Choose games from the “puzzles” or “word and trivia” categories.
  • Jumble – This classic newspaper feature is also available online.
  • Sudoku, crosswords, cryptic crosswords and word searches – Find them in the daily newspaper or buy a puzzle book full of them. Versions are also available online.
  • Brain Age – A Nintendo DS game, Brain Age has a variety of puzzles and games to improve memory, including memory, number memory, word scramble and math recall.
  • MyBrainTrainer.com – A website featuring short individual exercises, including memory improvement exercises, to work different parts of the brain. Although there are some free features on the website, MyBrainTrainer.com requires a paid membership.

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Card Games Are One of the Ways to Improve Memory, Clara Natoli Card Games Are One of the Ways to Improve Memory
   
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