| Does playing games to improve working memory | | | | spatial skills better as you come up with word patterns |
| really work? To get the answer to that, you should | | | | in your head. |
| first understand a few things about memory. Working | | | | Likely the most famous of the games to improve |
| memory and short term memory are two terms for | | | | working memory is simply called Memory, a card |
| the same brain function. Recently stored information | | | | game that is also known as Concentration. It consists |
| such as names and phone numbers is stored in this | | | | of cards being placed face down in a pattern, which |
| part of the memory. It could be referred to as the | | | | are then turned over two at a time. If both cards have |
| "post-it note" of the mind. Short term memory is able | | | | the same face value, the player will be able to keep |
| to store a maximum of seven pieces of information at | | | | them. Otherwise, the cards are turned back over, and |
| any given time. | | | | the next player takes a turn. In the end, the player |
| A healthy short term memory is vital for things like | | | | collecting the most cards wins. Since more and more |
| literacy, numeracy, and solving problems. By making | | | | of the cards are turned over as the game goes on, |
| these skills better, you can also fine tune your ability to | | | | trying to remember where each card can be found is |
| focus and pay attention. The experts agree that | | | | the key to gaining cards in the latter stages of the |
| anybody's memory can be boosted by playing certain | | | | game. |
| games. A few of these games to improve working | | | | You can also help make your memory better with the |
| memory will be looked at more closely below. | | | | card game of bridge. Duplicate bridge, the kind played |
| Chess and other board games have been show to | | | | at most tournaments, is better than basic rubber bridge. |
| help you gain a better memory. The brain functions | | | | That's because regular bridge does not require that |
| utilized to plan out your moves, which are crucial to | | | | you memorize earlier bids, and relies more on luck than |
| winning at chess, require an understanding of | | | | ability. |
| relationships between various bits of information. The | | | | Playing games to improve working memory can be as |
| parts of your brain that are used to store information | | | | basic as just shutting your eyes and trying to |
| for your short term memory are used for this function. | | | | remember where certain objects are located in a |
| Word games like Scrabble may also make your | | | | room. Or you can have someone else make up a list |
| memory sharper, as learning letters and words is a | | | | and then try to recall the items on it in the right order. |
| crucial function of this region of your brain. Calling forth | | | | I'm sure you can think up lots of other games that are |
| various mixtures of letters from your long term to your | | | | not only fun but beneficial to your ability to remember |
| short term memory can help make your visual and | | | | things. |