Brain Health Science

Memory

Cognitive Areas

The brain has the ability to encode and retain new information thereby permitting memory. Regardless of the type of stimuli the brain can process the information and remember it. It is thought the hippocampus, a structure that lies in the medial section of each temporal lobe (just under each temple) helps to encode information and transition new information into a long term or secondary storage area in the cortex.

Without the hippocampus, the brain cannot encode and rapid forgetting of new material occurs. The memory system of the brain has the ability to recall information after delay and to retrieve information from long ago such as childhood experiences. As we get older our ability to spontaneously recall information erodes somewhat. Cueing and prompting helps the older brain recall normally. Diseases such as Alzheimer's damages the hippocampus and results in a progressive loss of memory ability. Chronic stress has also been found to negatively affect memory and potentially induce damage to the hippocampus.

Brain Games

The following games were designed to work on memory.

	Treasure Hunt Treasure Hunt is a brain game designed to strengthen visual memory. Your eccentric, ex-pirate Uncle has set out on a new life path, and is bequeathing his treasure to anyone in the family that can find it first. Search through the cluttered rooms of his suburban Land-ship. View each room before and after, using your memory to spot changes and uncover hidden gold coins and gems.

	Memory Mountain Themepark Memory Mountain Themepark is a brain game designed to strengthen Short-term, Long-term and Visual Memory. You have recently purchased your very own amusement park. You must effectively remember names, faces and personal traits in order to successfully hire a team of skilled workers to operate the rides and help build the park into a world-renowned Flagship Themepark.

	Busy Bistro Busy Bistro helps you to improve short and long-term aspects of memory amidst the distractions of a busy kitchen environment. In this brain game, you are the apprentice of a chef with a variety of great recipes, but a poor memory for the finer points. Can you help the chef remember the finishing details on his next delightful creation of culinary genius? Your ability to remember details is the key, and practice makes perfect. Let's get cooking!

	Crime Scene Shuffle Crime Scene Shuffle combines two different memory activities into a fun, mystery-themed brain game. You begin as a "Junior Crime Scene Trainee", using memory skills to convict wily criminals by collecting clues at the scene of the crime. With a sharp memory for important evidence, you can advance through the ranks and earn the respected position of "Chief Crime Scene Investigator".