Can you pass these 5 memory tests designed by a World Memory Champion?
With the number of dementia and Alzheimer’s cases on the rise, we all want to protect our brains and stay as mentally sharp as we can for as long as possible. But just how good is your memory? Put it to the test with these five challenges designed by eight-time World Memory Champion Dominic O’Brien, published in his book, How to Develop a Brilliant Memory Week by Week.
All you need is a pen, some paper, and all the memory you can muster!
Test 1: Words
Give yourself three minutes to study the following 20 words.
TREE, TIME, FACE, PIPE
CLOCK, MOUSE, ENGINE, PLANET
THUNDER, NECKLACE, WARDROBE, CATERPILLAR
GARDEN, TREACLE, PICTURE, HARNESS
SLEEP, APPLE, OCEAN, BOOK
Now, write down as many as you can remember (the order doesn’t matter) and give yourself one point for each one you correctly recall.
Test 2: Number sequence
Give yourself three minutes to study the following sequence of numbers – this time, the order does matter.
5 0 3 6 7 4 4 0 9 2 8 2 0 5 7 6 7 1 2 9
Now, write down as many numbers in the correct sequence as you can and give yourself one point for each correct number. However, this is a “sudden death” challenge. So, even if you can recall all 20 numbers except the sixth in the sequence, your score will be just five.
Test 3: Shapes
Give yourself three minutes to study the following sequence of 10 shapes. Each shape has been given a number – remember to take the number into account, too.
Now, scroll down until you see the same shapes in a jumbled order.
*
*
*
*
*
*
*
*
Try to remember the numbers assigned to each shape and give yourself one point for each one you number correctly.
Test 4: Binary numbers
Give yourself three minutes to study the following sequence of 30 binary numbers (1s and 0s).
1 1 0 0 0 0 0 1 1 0 1 1 1 0 1 1 0 0 1 1 0 1 0 1 0 1 0 0 1 1
Now, write down as many numbers in the correct sequence as you can and give yourself one point for each correct number. However, this is another “sudden death” challenge. So, even if you can recall all 30 numbers except the fourth in the sequence, your score will be just three.
Test 5: Playing cards
Give yourself three minutes to study the following 10 playing cards.
Now, try to repeat the exact sequence (with the correct number and suit) and give yourself one point for each correct card in the correct sequence. As above, this is another “sudden death” challenge. So, even if you can recall all 10 cards except the third in the sequence, your score will be just two.
Now, add up all your points and you should have a score out of 90. See how your score measures up against the range below:
Untrained: 20-34
Improver: 35-69
Master: 70+
Anything above the “improver” range is considered a great score.
Tell us in the comments below, how did you go?