Intelligent Memory: Improve the Memory that Makes You Smarter - Hardcover

Gordon, Barry; Berger, Lisa

Hardcover

ISBN 10: 0670032409 ISBN 13: 9780670032402

Publisher: Viking Adult, 2003

Synopsis

In this groundbreaking and important book, Dr. Barry Gordon, one of the world's leading authorities on memory, and Lisa Berger offer a bold new synthesis of the two essential components of the human mind: intelligence and memory. Gordon and Berger argue that "intelligent memory" is the key to our ability to solve problems, learn from experience, associate, and innovate. As critical to the creation of works of genius as it is to navigating the complexities of daily life, intelligent memory is not an innate gift but a skill that we can learn, hone, and actually improve with age-no matter how old or absentminded we might be.

Gordon and Berger provide a concise, compelling overview of how intelligent memory functions in the brain as the "engine" for dynamic thought, enabling us to focus our attention, make connections, and store and retrieve information. Combining cutting-edge science with practical hands-on guidance and featuring daily exercises and self-administered tests, Intelligent Memory is an essential volume for readers of any age who want to sharpen and expand their intellectual powers.

About this title

About the Author

Barry Gordon, M.D., Ph.D., is professor of neurology and cognitive science, director of the Memory Clinic, and holder of an endowed chair to study the treatment of brain disorders at Johns Hopkins Medical Institutions. One of the world's leading experts in the study and treatment of memory and language disorders, he is the author of Memory: Remembering and Forgetting in Everyday Life. Lisa Berger is a professional writer and the author of nine popular books.

Reviews

Gordon (Memory: Remembering and Forgetting in Everyday Life), who holds an endowed chair at the Johns Hopkins School of Medicine and is the director of the Memory Clinic, presents his concept of intelligent memory. Differing from ordinary memory because it involves more than simple recall, intelligent memory refers to the process by which the brain makes connections between pieces of information. These connections are used to solve problems, generate creative ideas and provide insight. Essentially unconscious, intelligent memory works with lightning speed. With freelance writer Berger, Gordon explains in accessible prose how to strengthen this memory by pursuing a series of mental exercises. Gordon believes that in order to navigate the complexities of the modern world, a skilled intelligent memory is essential. The exercises for the reader focus on the three defined aspects of intelligent memory: paying better attention, expanding conscious (or scratchpad) memory and learning to store more memories. For example, storing memories can be enhanced by relating new information to something that is already known. If someone is told that a snake with yellow stripes is dangerous, it will be easier to remember if the color yellow is mentally linked to a yellow traffic signal that symbolizes a warning. Although many of the exercises are challenging and fun to try, only the most motivated readers will persevere through all of them.
Copyright 2003 Reed Business Information, Inc.

Edition details

• Publisher: Viking Adult
• Publication date: 2003
• Language: English
• ISBN 10: 0670032409
• ISBN 13: 9780670032402
• Binding: Hardcover
• Edition number: 1
• Number of pages: 256