Hey man, sorry to hear about your memory problems.
I've noticed multiple discussions going on:
1. ability to memorize verbatim http://www.longecity...in/#entry750523
2. memorize a song rhythm http://www.longecity...in/#entry750523
3. memorize song lyrics http://www.longecity...in/#entry750523
4. ability to score well on dual n-back http://www.longecity...in/#entry750607
These are all different things (I realize you were asked specifically about dual n-back =)) and involve different brain systems. Due to our limited knowledge of memory systems (science is working on it) it is very difficult to make judgments about neurotransmitters to change or not change.
The first thing I would do if I were you is actually determine whether you have a memory deficit at all, and if so, what kind. Have you reached your maximal levels on numerous cambridgebrainsciences tests? If so, which ones? How did you compare to average? Note: this might take you a few weeks/months if you haven't done so already. =) http://www.cambridgebrainsciences.com
Second, specifically addressing your desire to memorize verbatim, song melodies, song lyrics, etc...have you tried the 20/10 method of learning? Basically, you study for 20 minutes, take a 10 minute break and make sure you don't study at all, then study the same thing for 20 minutes, then 10 minute break, then study for 20 minutes. This takes advantage (theoretically) of priming and receptor trafficking in the brain. You might be very surprised at how much you can remember. Pick one song, listen to it over and over again for 20 minutes, then 10 minute break, then listen to the same song over and over again for 20 minutes, then 10 minute break, then listen to the same song over and over again for 20 minutes. By the end of this you will probably be so bored with the song that you will never want to hear it again. ha
You should also look into spaced repetition learning if you haven't already. Here are some links.
http://www.ncbi.nlm....les/PMC3782739/
Front Hum Neurosci. 2013; 7: 589.
Making long-term memories in minutes: a spaced learning pattern from memory research in education
Abstract
Memory systems select from environmental stimuli those to encode permanently. Repeated stimuli separated by timed spaces without stimuli can initiate Long-Term Potentiation (LTP) and long-term memory (LTM) encoding. These processes occur in time scales of minutes, and have been demonstrated in many species. This study reports on using a specific timed pattern of three repeated stimuli separated by 10 min spaces drawn from both behavioral and laboratory studies of LTP and LTM encoding. A technique was developed based on this pattern to test whether encoding complex information into LTM in students was possible using the pattern within a very short time scale. In an educational context, stimuli were periods of highly compressed instruction, and spaces were created through 10 min distractor activities. Spaced Learning in this form was used as the only means of instruction for a national curriculum Biology course, and led to very rapid LTM encoding as measured by the high-stakes test for the course. Remarkably, learning at a greatly increased speed and in a pattern that included deliberate distraction produced significantly higher scores than random answers (p < 0.00001) and scores were not significantly different for experimental groups (one hour spaced learning) and control groups (four months teaching). Thus learning per hour of instruction, as measured by the test, was significantly higher for the spaced learning groups (p < 0.00001). In a third condition, spaced learning was used to replace the end of course review for one of two examinations. Results showed significantly higher outcomes for the course using spaced learning (p < 0.0005). The implications of these findings and further areas for research are briefly considered.
Spaced Repetition learning: http://www.gwern.net...ced repetition
I use Anki to maintain memories long term. http://ankisrs.net
Edited by lostfalco, 10 November 2015 - 01:42 AM.