How Visual Arts Can Enhance Your Life

Posted on: 13 August 2015

Keeping your mind active and your memory healthy takes a little effort, like learning something new or dancing from time to time. But did you know that photographs can help too? The following guide will show you how photographs can help keep your mind fresh, as well as a few early signs of memory issues, just in case. 

Connection Between Memory And Photographs

Memory is very complex, as some are formed with emotions attached to them and others form to document your day, which is what photographs are mostly associated with. Photographs document an event and include things like time, who was there, and where the event took place. When you look at a photograph, it helps activate the hippocampus region of your brain that documents events and helps recall memories, which may assist in making long-term memories. 

Psychologists have also noted that photographs--aside from getting people to recall certain memories--also encourage conversation with family or friends that usually ignites an emotional response. Emotional responses activate a different memory region in your brain, not to mention that you and your family or friends will feel closer. 

Small Precaution

Studies have shown that taking the photograph on your own might actually hinder your memory because you are too focused on taking the photograph; so, to correct this, just make sure that when you take the picture that you take a moment to let your brain absorb the event or situation. 

You can also have someone else take the picture for you to make sure you absorb as much as possible.

Signs To Look Out For

A photograph can help your memory, but what if your memory already has some issues? The following are a few signs to look for, which you should mention to your health care specialist as soon as possible:

• Asking the same question a few times
• Having trouble remembering common words or mixing up words frequently
• Not being able to complete activities that you do all the time
• Frequently misplacing items when it is not natural for you
• Mood or behavioral changes without any apparent trigger
• Concentration issues
• Slower to react to topics or ideas

Be sure to talk to your health care specialist should you notice any of these symptoms. But, as you can see, you can help preserve your memory with something as simple as keeping a well-framed photograph in your home. Plus, they are good relationship enhancers, so keep those picture framings and photographs close.