Though we all forget things sometimes, there are steps that we can take in our daily lives to increase our memory. Not only can a better memory help us navigate through our days more easily, but doing things that are mentally challenging may protect us against Alzheimer's. Recent studies have found that older adults who spent more time in leisure activities that required more mental effort had less chance of getting Alzheimer's, and animals that lived in mentally stimulating environments had bigger memory centers. You can also boost your own memory with small, doable changes.

Try these steps to help you improve your memory, maximize brain fitness and stave off Alzheimer's disease.