4 simple tricks for better memory

While the aging brain remains surprisingly resilient, the part responsible for learning new information often does decline. You can compensate, though, with a few simple strategies to make sure your brain stores that phone number or the name of your new colleague for easy retrieval later. Here are some tips recommended by Cynthia R. Green, Ph.D., an assistant clinical professor of psychiatry at the Mount Sinai School of Medicine in New York City, and author of "Brainpower Game Plan" (Rodale, 2009).

1. Rehearse. Repeat information either out loud or to yourself. If someone gives you directions or a time and place to meet, for example, restating the information will reinforce it and make sure you have it correct.

2. Resize. Lists and long numbers are easier to remember if you break them into smaller groups as you would when recalling your phone number or Social Security number. If you can, group similar items into categories. Divide your grocery list into shorter lists of baked goods, dairy foods, and produce, for example.

3. Relate. Link the new information to something familiar. When introduced to someone named Joe, for example, you might remember the name by noticing traits he has in common with your Uncle Joe, or picturing him with coffee ("a cup of joe"). Or to remember the number 1024, you might think of the date Oct. 24.

4. Visualize. Create a vivid picture in your mind of the information you want to learn. The more detailed, the better. If you want to remember a list, take this strategy a step further by devising a story or imagining a video that incorporates each of the items. The more outlandish your tale, the more likely you are to remember your list.

This article first appeared in the July 2010 issue of Consumer Reports On Health. Get more tips on restoring mental clarity and learn more about advances in treating (and avoiding) Alzheimer's disease.