Recent studies have shown that memory recall improves dramatically with caffeine intake, which is yet again another reason to brew a cup of coffee in the morning.
 
The Radiological Society of North America presented their results on a study of caffeine’s effect on short-term memory functions. Dr. Koppelstaetter, leading researcher and MD, of the University Hospital, Innsbruck, Austria, confirmed the impact of caffeine on the area of the brain that controls attention and concentration, the anterior cingulate cortex, in men.
His study showed an increase in brain activity when 100mg of caffeine, about two cups of coffee, was consumed by test subjects.

These volunteers demonstrated improvement in short-term memory skills and reaction times and brain scans confirmed an increase in brain activity. This shows that caffeine wields influence on normal brain function.

However, it should be noted that a small sample size was utilized and the impact of caffeine on the overall mental state has not been determined on long-term memory.

A study published this year in the Neurology Journal however, tested long term effects coffee had on memory. About 7,000 volunteers participated in this four year study.

The final results showed that women age 65 and older, who drank one or less cups of coffee a day, lost 33 percent more memory than those who consumed three cups of coffee per day. Interestingly enough, these results were not seen in men and may be due to the difference in the rate men metabolize caffeine.

If you want to increase your memory retention and do not have a medical condition, which prevents the consumption of caffeine, try a cup of coffee in the morning. When the afternoon slump hits around three, treat yourself to another cup and you’ll likely find that you perk right up. Though it is national I Forgot Day, try to remember that savoring cup of joe.

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