25 Simple brain-boosters

While it may sometimes seem that a failing memory is an inevitable part of growing older, it’s actually easier than you might think to get your brain’s cogs ticking over more smoothly.

A good night’s sleep is basically a wonder cure. It’s intrinsic for mental and physical health, and, if you haven’t had enough, can affect the quality of the memories you store, and your ability to recall them the next day.

The caffeine in coffee is a great stimulant for sharpening your memory and general brain functions. If you don’t like coffee, try green tea instead; it contains the amino acid L-theanine, which releases neurotransmitters that jump-start recall and boost your capacity to learn.

Is there anything a good book can’t do? Read to enhance imagination, vocabulary, mood, intelligence, memory and analytical thinking.

Getting enough exercise will help combat everything from heart disease to diabetes and stroke, and it will boost memory. Go swimming, running, cycling, and your brain will thank you for it.

Apparently, listening to your favourite album uses both sides of your brain, which is unusual and hugely beneficial. Try classical to enhance your brain power even further.

Getting your head (and tongue) around a brand-new language is like putting your brain through a daily, rigorous obstacle course. The process will boost intelligence and hone your memory skills – as well as make you look good at parties.

Combine meditation with yoga and you’ll be ticking all the boxes: exercise + increased oxygen intake + peaceful mind = one very happy brain.

Puffing away increases the risk of developing Alzheimer’s, and releases free radicals (unattached oxygen cells), which attack and kill brain cells. Step away from the nicotine!

Don’t take this blueberry news as an excuse to start loading up on pancakes though. As a hangover from our hunter-gatherer days, humans are most efficient and productive when they are hungry but aerobically fit. Scientists have also found obese people have 8 per cent less brain tissue than people with a healthy weight, which impacts cognitive reserves.

Omega-3 fatty acids can do wonders for your memory, so make sure to have at least one portion of oily fish (mackerel, salmon, tuna) a week.

A study by scientists in Florida have found that childhood pastimes, like running barefoot, crawling around and climbing trees, can boost our working memory – the kind we use to remember phone numbers and directions.

Vitamin D is vital for strong bones, but a deficiency in it has also been linked to memory loss. Stock up on it by getting enough sunlight and munching on fruit and veg.

Sudoku, crosswords and specific brain-training apps can all be used to give your memory a workout.

US scientists have found that our brains employ tunnel vision when focussing on a particularly tense moment during thrillers, and this has been suggested to enhance memory recall.

Several studies have found that nuts such as cashews and almonds contain magnesium, a mineral linked to improvements in short- and long-term memory. A handful can provide about 25 per cent of your daily requirement.

Drizzle some olive oil over your fish and veggies. Those who follow a Mediterranean diet (which includes a lot of olive oil) are less likely to have problems associated with memory loss.