5 Quick Memory Improvers

1 Catch some Zzzs

Sleeping regenerates your brain, making you more alert. If you have trouble drifting off, avoid caffeine, alcohol and chocolate after 5pm, and keep your bedroom nice and cool.

2 Switch off the TV and get puzzling!

Couch potatoes who watch TV for seven hours a day have twice the memory problems of those who watch less often. A study also found that older people who did four crosswords a week had a lower dementia risk than non-puzzlers. So pick up that pen and newspaper now!

3 Get moving!

Being active for at least 30 minutes three times a week improves blood flow to the brain, which will reduce the risk of dementia by a quarter. Time to dust off those trainers!

4 De-stress

A lot of studies show that there is a direct link between stress hormones and memory loss, so try to remain relaxed and don’t let things get to you. Take a day to chill out and read a good book – it’s for the good of your health!

5 Bin the ciggies!

Heavy smokers are at risk of developing Alzheimer’s six to seven years earlier than non-smokers. This is because tobacco damages the blood vessels, which carry oxygen to the brain. One of hundreds of reasons to quit – just do it, you’ll feel so much better.