I forgot about it or I forgot what I was going to do. Sound familiar! Well, a few minutes ago, I left my computer to go to the kitchen to turn on the kettle. There was some info on the kitchen table that I was going to use in an article. Would you believe that I forgot what I was going to do. I sat at the computer for a minute but couldn’t recall so I returned to the kitchen and then I remembered. This time I brought the info back with me.
I smiled at my forgetfulness.
It happens to both old and young, however; for me personally, it has become more frequent. When I was young, I could retain a lot of information and recall, in detail, events that happened over a period of time. Now I need to take notes and concentrate on what I have to remember. Also, I make notes on the notebook on my cell phone.
Below are some tips for remembering.
Remembering names
I did a Dale Carnegie course many years ago. Below are some of the things that I learned but did not always apply.
- Make a conscious decision to remember a person’s name
- Pay attention and make sure you hear the name clearly. Repeat it a few times. Look at the person to get a visual. Write the name down
- Create an image of the person’s name. I had a friend whose name was Rueben. My sister-in-laws name is Ruby so when I try and remember his name I think of Ruby.
Short-term memory loss, also known as short-term memory impairment or short-term memory problems, refers to difficulties in retaining and recalling information over a brief period, typically ranging from a few seconds to a few minutes. It can manifest as forgetfulness, trouble remembering recent events or conversations, and difficulty in learning new information. Short-term memory loss can result from various factors, including:
- Normal Aging: As individuals age, there can be natural changes in memory function, including short-term memory. However, significant memory loss beyond what is considered normal aging may indicate a more serious underlying condition.
- Medical Conditions: Certain medical conditions can affect short-term memory, such as Alzheimer’s disease, dementia, mild cognitive impairment, traumatic brain injury, stroke, and neurological disorders.
- Medications: Some medications can have side effects that impact memory function, including certain antidepressants, antianxiety drugs, sleep aids, and medications for high blood pressure or pain management.
- Substance Abuse: Alcohol, drug abuse, and long-term substance use can impair memory function, including short-term memory.
- Stress and Anxiety: High levels of stress, anxiety, or emotional distress can interfere with cognitive function, including memory retrieval and storage.
- Sleep Deprivation: Inadequate sleep or sleep disorders can affect memory consolidation and cognitive function, leading to short-term memory problems.
- Nutritional Deficiencies: Inadequate intake of essential nutrients, such as vitamins B12 and D, can impact cognitive function and memory.
- Head Trauma: Traumatic brain injury (TBI) or concussions can result in short-term memory loss, along with other cognitive impairments.
If someone experiences persistent or worsening short-term memory loss, it’s essential to seek medical evaluation to determine the underlying cause and appropriate management. Early detection and intervention can help manage symptoms and improve quality of life.
I have ordered a memory supplement from a leading supplement supplier. The product is en route (on the way) and I will update my progress in a blog post.
Links for tips on remembering
Eight ways to remember anything
You can have your best senior moments by improving your memory.
Updated on a Senior regular basis