Memory is a complicated thing. Some people are great at recognising people’s faces, others can recall conversations and events from a long time ago, some never forget your birthday and still others have a great ability to remember where they last saw their spouses’ keys! Sometimes it feels like it’s the silly things or the things we’d like to forget that we remember best. When it comes to memory, though, you’ve probably noticed, we usually talk about our weaknesses, rather than our strengths. For example, almost everyone wishes they were better at remembering names!
As a neuropsychologist working with people with various neurological disorders, memory is the most frequent complaint I hear. This is understandable because most areas of the brain contribute to memory processes. So, if something goes wrong anywhere in the system, there is likely to be an impact on memory. People with epilepsy often mention having trouble remembering events from their past, learning new things or finding the right word. Forgetting to carry out activities at the right time might also be an issue.
There are no easy fixes to these problems, but there are some things we can do to increase our chances of remembering. In general, to maximise brain functioning, it’s important to engage in regular physical exercise! Exercise encourages the growth of new brain cells and improves circulation, which helps to get important oxygen to the brain. Experts recommend at least 90 min of physical exercise every week. Avoiding intoxicating substances, getting enough sleep and eating healthy food (including lots of coloured fruits and vegetables) is also important for brain health. In addition, stress, anxiety and depression need to be kept under control for the brain to encode, store and recall memories.
There are also numerous strategies (both internal/mental strategies and external memory aids) that we can use to increase our chances of remembering. First, if we stick to a routine and keep our records in good order, we are less likely to lose track of something that needs to be done. Second if we spend more time thinking about a recent event (e.g., a movie we saw or a wedding we attended), for example, by making a point of discussing the event with someone else, we’re more likely to remember the details later. Third, when we’re trying to recall something from the past, it might help to try to think more about the context (e.g., where did it happen, how was I feeling, how old was I?) There are also many strategies to help us remember the names of people (e.g., repeating the name in conversation right after you’ve heard it or trying to make a mental association with the name). All of these strategies take practice.
Feel like you need help with your memory?
Feel like you need help with your memory?One way to learn about lots of memory strategies, get a chance to practice with these strategies and receive expert advice is by partaking in a new program called MEMORehab
MEMORehab is a program that will help you learn strategies to improve your memory and teach you about how the brain works . It involves six, one-hour interactive sessions led by a clinician and provides numerous additional online educational and practice materials.
If you’d like to know more about MEMORehab, ask your clinician or contact the MEMORehab team via their website.
It is also important to focus on the positive. Try to think of things that your memory does relatively well and put these abilities to work! You should also consider ways that people around you can help you to get better at remembering. Chatting about recent events, asking a family member for hints when you can’t remember something and requesting email follow-ups or reminders from work colleagues are just some of the ways that others might be able to help support your memory.
Written by:
Laurie Miller, PhD, Clinical Neuropsychologist
Co-founder, Content Development Officer
MEMO Memory Rehabilitation, Pty, Ltd
