How to Test Your Working Memory

A working memory test is fairly easy to come by and should take under 20 minutes of your time. If you feel as if your memory is waning you should talk to a doctor about medications you may be taking which could be affecting your memory. To improve memory, make it a point to remember even the smallest aspects of your day such as the order in which you dressed in the morning, or phone numbers that you dialed.

Things You'll Need

• Computer
• Memory test
• Psychologist

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Instructions

• 1

  Take a working memory test online. Some websites such as Neurogenol are geared toward cognitive enhancement. The test on this site takes anywhere from five to 10 minutes. Before you take the test you should remove yourself from all distractions such as the TV or the stereo. After a series of memorization questions and basic information, you will be given your brain age versus your actual age.

  neurogenol.com

• 2

  See a psychologist. Psychologists specialize in mental disorders such as memory loss or lack of concentration. Psychology professor Paul Verhaeghen, of Syracuse University, and his associates conducted a study in which they had human subjects repeat the same activity for 10 hours per day, five days in a row. They found that response times quickened and determined that perhaps memory could be improved through practices using repetition. One such practice, would be to set a basic daily schedule and perform similar tasks at similar times most days.

• 3

  Determine what could be causing your lack of working memory. Alcohol and other drugs can play a role in memory issues as they affect the entire body including the brain. Medication that you may be taking may also play a role in your memory loss. Medications cause chemical alterations in the brain which can affect the areas in which memory is stored. Memory or long term memory, is stored in the section of the brain called the cortex. New memories are made in the hippocampus and in the medial temporal lobe.

• 4

  Practice using your memory with memory exercises. Make it a point to remember phone numbers, or the exact amount of money you spend at the grocery store or gas station. There are memory exercises online which can give you practice remembering numbers, words, shapes, and the order of objects. To try these exercises visit websites such as The Original Memory Gym online.

  memorise.org