83-Year-Old Neurologist Reveals 3 Brain Hacks

When it comes to maintaining mental sharpness as we age, professional expertise and personal experience both matter. Dr. Richard Restak, a neurology professor at Georgetown University and an author of over 20 books on the mind, offers the best of both worlds. At 83, he combines his deep academic knowledge with firsthand experience of aging to share effective, easy-to-implement strategies for brain health.

Here are 3 practical habits Restak uses to keep his mind sharp:

1. Exercise Your Working Memory

Restak emphasizes the importance of keeping your working memory active, describing it as “probably the best thing you can do to maintain your mental sharpness.” Fancy tools aren’t necessary—simple mental exercises do the trick.

For example, Restak recalls mentally listing all U.S. presidents from Eisenhower to Biden, then alphabetizing their names, all while driving. If politics isn’t your thing, you can try similar exercises with subjects you enjoy, like organizing your favorite movies’ characters alphabetically or by syllables.

The goal is to challenge your brain to hold and manipulate information, keeping your working memory strong as you age.

2. Read More Fiction

Restak advises against switching exclusively to nonfiction as memory challenges arise. Fiction, he explains, requires readers to remember characters, plots, and details across chapters, providing a mental workout.

Currently, he and his wife are tackling The Count of Monte Cristo, which he calls an exercise in tracking complex narratives. The type of novel doesn’t matter—choose stories that keep you engaged and entertained.

3. Use “Memory Palaces”

The “memory palace” technique, often used by memory athletes, can help anyone retain information. Restak applies a simplified version by visualizing familiar places and attaching vivid images to them.

For example, to remember to buy bread, he imagines library shelves filled with loaves instead of books. By mentally placing visual cues in known locations, you create an easy-to-navigate mental map for recall.

Simple Tips With Big Potential

Restak’s strategies don’t require special tools, expensive programs, or significant time investments. They are accessible, straightforward, and free to try. From playing memory games to reading novels and building memory palaces, these habits can help keep your brain active and resilient as you age.

While no one can guarantee perfect mental health, Restak’s advice provides a strong foundation. As someone in his ninth decade, still writing books and teaching, he’s a testament to the power of these habits. Start incorporating them today to give your brain a boost!