Scientists are still studying how the central nervous system helps people plan and execute complex movements unconsciously. Mental athletes like those who compete in the USA Memory Championship can memorize a deck of cards in 20 seconds or the names and faces of hundreds of strangers in minutes. Michael Dottino is working with neuroscientists to study how memory training affects brain activity. Research shows that memory techniques form networks in the brain that anchor new memories to old ones.
Isao Machii is a modern-day samurai with incredible agility, he can chop bullets in half in midair with a swing of his sword. Bob Munden, a legendary gunslinger, could draw and accurately fire his gun in less than a tenth of a second, faster than the average human brain’s reaction time. These two individuals have achieved feats that require an incredible amount of skill and precision.
Anthony and Michael Dottino run memory training programs and believe that anyone can improve their memory regardless of age. They have seen firsthand how individuals who practice memory techniques regularly are able to recall information more quickly and accurately than those who do not. A study in the journal Neuron found that average people can significantly improve their memories with just six weeks of training. This superpower is within reach for all of us if we are willing to put in the effort to learn and practice these techniques regularly.
