Improving memory can be beneficial for different aspects of life, including education, profession, and personal life. This page presents studies, research, and tips for memory improvement.
Below you’ll find actionable strategies and protocols for improving memory. Read the studies on memory improvement in the Study Feed.
Stay up-to-date with the latest studies on various interventions
Many assert that supplements enhance memory. While some of these claims are substantiated, others aren’t. Below are studies that have reported positive outcomes.
Ginkgo biloba is a species of tree native to China and has existed for millions of years, making it one of the oldest living tree species. Extracts from its leaves are commonly used in traditional medicine and dietary supplements, believed to have cognitive-enhancing properties and other health benefits, though scientific evidence is mixed.
Quick summary: The supplement Ginkgo Biloba has been shown to be effective to enhance memory performance in patients with cognitive impairment (e.g., dementia). A randomized placebo study with 188 healthy adults found, that the group who took Ginkgo Biloba had significantly improved memory in recall testing.
Participants: 188 healthy subjects aged 45-56
Dosage: 240 mg Ginkgo Biloba once daily for 6 weeks
Method Types: Free Recall Test, Standardized Recognition Test
APA reference: Kaschel R. (2011). Specific memory effects of Ginkgo biloba extract EGb 761 in middle-aged healthy volunteers.
Several studies find, that exercise has a positive impact on memory.
Quick summary: Researches found that exercise 4-hours after a learning session improves long-term memory retention and activates certain patterns in the hippocampus, a key area for memory. Notably, they did not find the same results with exercise immediately after the learning sessions – in other words, timing is crucial
Participants: 72 people
Method Types: Memory Recall Test, Magnetic Resonance (MR)
Long summary: Long summary notes and text
APA reference: van Dongen, E. V., Kersten, I. H. P., Wagner, I. C., Morris, R. G. M., & Fernández, G. (2016). Physical Exercise Performed Four Hours after Learning Improves Memory Retention and Increases Hippocampal Pattern Similarity during Retrieval.
