Researchers still puzzling over brainpower

→Memory: To help build new associations between neural connections of the brain, memorize lyrics of a song; shower or get dressed in the dark; and use your opposite hand to brush your teeth.

→Attention: Change routines. Vary your route to work and reorganize your desk. Combine activities such as listening to an audio book while jogging or do math in your head while driving.

→Language: With practice, you can expand your vocabulary and more easily retrieve familiar words. Thoroughly read published material you don’t normally read, then take time to understand unusual words in context.

→Visual-spatial: Pick out five items and their locations in room. Leave the room and try to recall the items and locations. Wait two hours and try to remember the items and locations. Or look straight ahead and note everything you can see. Try to recall everything and write it down.

→Executive function: Visit with a friend, a social interaction that requires you to consider possible responses and desired outcomes. Play video games that take strategy and problem-solving.

Source: Dr. Bernard Croisile, neurologist, neuropsychologist, founder of happy-neuron.com.