Meditation can improve short-term memory

Meditation can help improve short-term memory, and may even sharpen our mental abilities.

A Buddhist meditation, known as Deity Yoga (DY), seems to have the most beneficial effects on memory, researchers have discovered.  DY meditators focus intently on an image of a deity and his followers, and the technique improves visual memory in several different tests.

The mental sharpness of meditators was tested after 20 minutes of meditation in groups who performed either DY meditation, or Open Presence (OP) meditation, where there was general awareness of a room rather than a focus on one specific thing.

The researchers say their findings have implications for therapy, treatment of memory loss and mental training.

(Source: Psychological Science, 2009; doi: 10.1111/j.1467-9280.2009.02345.x).

Related WDDTY Content

Short-term memory loss

A reader is keen for any thoughts and suggestions for her husband, who is suffering from short-term memory loss. He has had several appointments over...

Memory loss

Q My husband and I are beginning to show signs of memory loss, which no doubt will get worse with time. We visited a very qualified neurologist,

Is memory loss inevitable?

No, memory loss is not inevitable as we age, but we’d be very fortunate to avoid it happening. Memory starts to decline imperceptibly in early adultho...

Aging: Read a magazine to prevent memory loss

Reading a magazine every day can help prevent memory loss in later life, researchers have discovered.

Memory loss may not be part of menopause

Does menopause make you lose your memory or is this just a myth after all? Tests carried out on 16 young women during their menstrual cycle showed tha...

Mercury from fillings led to my memory loss

I hope Penny Pullen (WDDTY no 15 no 11) has noticed an improvement in her health after having her mercury fillings removed. I had most of mine removed...