Our memories do more than mark our past; they can also help keep our minds sharp for the future! From boosting recall to calming emotions, research shows that simple writing practices like memory journaling can do wonders for brain health and resilience.
The research
A 2025 systematic review published in <Frontiers in Neurology> found that writing-based interventions—including keeping memory notebooks and journaling—may reduce the risk of dementia, support cognitive rehabilitation, boost memory and attention, and help regulate emotions in people with mild cognitive impairment or dementia.
Try it out
If you’re ready to give memory journaling a try, here are a few tips to get you started:
- Use a pen and paper. Research has shown that writing by hand has a more positive impact on cognition than typing.
- Note the details. Write down as much as you can. Take notes on both retrospective (what happened yesterday?) and prospective (what’s happening next week?) tasks (what’s happening next week?).
- Turn inward. Pairing your writing with self-reflection, when possible, can help maintain identity and aid memory.
No Journal? No Problem!
Memory journaling isn’t the only way to keep your brain sharp. The study also points to a variety of other stimulating activities, including the following:
- reading books or newspapers
- poetry writing
- Chinese calligraphy writing
- drawing
- crossword puzzles
- board games or cards
- playing musical instruments
This article was originally published in the March 2026 issue of delicious living magazine.
