It is smart to care about oneself. In fact, taking good care of ourselves – and especially being conscious of our health – is one of the unmistakable signs of sanity.
There are often questions on which system or part of our body is worth the greatest care. Naturally, the best answer would be “all of our body.” But if we are to be a little bit more thoughtful before we make that answer, we’ll observe that some parts of our body are more delicate than other parts and therefore require special attention and care.
Yes, of course, the eyes would probably come on top of such a list, but the brain equally won’t be too far behind.
Reader, this might be strange, but it is true: the reason why many of us know we have a brain is because we have memories!
The care of the brain is among other things, the care of the memory.
This means that the importance of having a good brain health cannot be overemphasized, because a faulty brain is a faulty body. In fact, it is a faulty lifestyle, and we can say it is something close to death!
At InfovoreSecrets.com, we can’t even give brain (mental) health the second place in the order of body care. It’s that special to us.
So, within the compartments of the brain are sections that give us memory functions.
This is how a good memory is usually described:
A good and working memory ensures cognitive functioning like thinking, learning, remembering, and reasoning.
When people start experiencing anything in their brain functions that exclude these parameters, they might start saying they have a “bad memory”.
So, a “bad memory” starts when an individual starts having less qualitative cognitive experience in remembering, learning, reasoning, and thinking.
Are you among people who believe they have a “bad memory”?
That you observe that, unaided, shows that you are still normal as far as average brain health is concerned.
Whether your observation (that you have a “bad memory”) is correct or not is another thing. We’ll get to that shortly.
Observing a decrease in our memory powers usually comes around when we make major lifestyle changes, or as we advance in age. But it is our joy to tell you that however correct your observations might be, you might not necessarily have a “bad memory”. And even if indeed you are developing declining memory functions, it may not necessarily pose any danger to your brain health in the short term or long term.
First of all, the greatest mistake you can make in assessing your personal brain health (especially regarding your memory) is diagnosing yourself. If you think you are having memory problems, the first thing you should do is talk to your doctor to get a diagnosis and appropriate care.[1]
However, there are many false “memory problems” that may manifest so strongly as to be a cause for concern for you. We are going to examine six of them and describe to you why they are false and shouldn’t be a cause for alarm.
The underlying reasons for gradual or sudden memory problems – short of a clearly traumatic event – are usually found around lifestyle modifications at some point in our lives.
Thus, it can easily be treated by reversing the changes that brought on the memory handicap in the first place.
We have treated most of these causes exhaustively in a previous article you can read here.
Spoiler: stress, depression and vitamin deficiencies are big culprits.[2]
So let’s move on. If you have been having a “bad memory” of recent, could it be attributed to any of the six treatable and reversible conditions we’ll soon be treating? Are your memory problems a normal change in memory, or omen of a bigger permanent problem like Alzheimer’s disease?
Are your memory problems even just imaginary? You’ll soon know.
Let’s dive into them!
1. Absent-mindedness
Absent Mindedness is among what makes people think they have a bad memory.
Do you remember the trope of the mad scientist? He is usually brilliant, ingenious but absent-minded!
Absent-mindedness is a normal occurrence in our everyday lives. The frequency of it just differs from one person to another.
The feature of absent-mindedness is being “lost in thought or unaware of one’s surroundings or actions” [3] or “tending to fail to notice things”. [4]
As you can see, all of these descriptions fit what might happen to us once in a while, and it is even an everyday thing for many people.
Why being absent-minded doesn’t mean you have a memory problem
Being absent-minded doesn’t mean you are losing your mind! How do we know?
If you are able to maintain a normal mood and personality and live a productive life even with occasional absent-mindedness, then there is probably nothing to worry about.
Though the problem can be a nuisance at times, be rest assured it is leaving no destructive dent on your memory. Even despite temporary memory lapses.
If you suddenly discover a spike in the frequency of your absent-mindedness, check your lifestyle.
Perhaps you have been going through stress or depression, or it might simply be because you are advancing in age.
All of these are normal causes for being absent-minded and the manifestation can be reversed if it is caused by stress or depression (read what stress and depression can do to the memory here) because there are treatments for stress and depression.
However, if your absent-mindedness is affecting your ability to be aware of what you are doing, or where you are for a prolonged period of time, or if it is affecting your mood and personality, [5] or if it is beginning to elicit complaints from family, friends, and co-workers, you may consider visiting your doctor.
2. Forgetfulness
Forgetfulness is among what makes people think they have a bad memory.
Having a sharp memory is a golden part of a person’s personality. However, time is the enemy of memory. Generally, all human memories, no matter how vivid, will deteriorate with time. This deterioration of memory, including its obliteration, is what is known as forgetfulness.
Forgetfulness is a feature of every human memory. However, there are levels of forgetfulness. There can also be false problems attributed to the memory due to forgetfulness.
Why being forgetful doesn’t mean you have a memory problem
Before you blame your forgetfulness on any memory problem, have you checked if you are getting enough sleep? Have you checked if you are unstressed and getting adequate rest?
Experts have also stated that being forgetful is a normal part of aging [6]. So this means that as you grow older, your episodes of forgetfulness may be more frequent. This is very normal and it’s not a sign of serious memory problems.
In fact, forgetting has advantages also.[7]
However, while it is perfectly normal to forget some of the content of your last month’s shopping list, or forget the direction to a place you have not visited in a while, it is abnormal to forget every single item you shopped just a few days ago, or go out of the house you have been living in for 10 years and get lost around your block again.
If forgetfulness is affecting your personal hygiene to the point where friends and family are concerned, it is time you see a doctor.
3. Blocking[8] (Having trouble recalling the right words)
“Blocking” is among what makes people think they have a bad memory.
You are in the middle of a conversation and just when you want to make an important point, you struggle to find the right word to use. You can feel the word’s “texture” within your brain, but your tongue just can’t seem to catch it. Does this sound familiar?
This is a frustrating experience that almost all of us experience from time to time, an inability to recall the right words to use. This phenomenon is called “blocking” by some experts and its relationship with memory has been observed.
This phenomenon is quite natural and it can happen to anyone of any age and state of health – Although, it might invoke fear of memory problems in anyone if its frequency starts becoming much more than normal.
Experts have said it usually happens when “several similar memories interfere with each other.” [9]
Why experiencing “blocking” doesn’t mean you have a memory problem
From the explanation of experts regarding blocking is that it usually happens when “several similar memories interfere with each other.”[10] This clearly suggests memory interference and not a memory deletion. Experiencing blocking doesn’t mean what you know is gone. It only means you probably have an excess of similar memories, and your brain is having a hard time distinguishing which is best to recall in certain situations.
Personally, we also think blocking might also be caused by having a perfectionist personality, especially with regards to the choice of vocabulary. You probably just want to use the rightest word(s) in all situations.
4. Slow Learning (Learning new things)
Slow learning is among what makes people think they have a bad memory.
We all learn things at different paces. It’s natural and widely accepted.
However, among older people, especially those that used to be very smart in their younger days, suddenly taking longer to learn new things might be a cause for serious concern.
Learning is a pillar among our cognitive abilities[11], and its decline might be accompanied by declines in other abilities like remembering, thinking and others. But do an onset of slowness in learning a sign of a dangerous derailment of our memory?
Why slow learning doesn’t mean you have a memory problem:
Experts have stated that the onset of slow learning is “often a normal part of aging.” [12] Also, anything that can affect cognition can also affect learning. This includes depression, stress, and fatigue. [13]
While the onset of slow learning may be attributable to advancing age, there is a caveat: Slow learning accompanied by a decrease in function, extreme forgetfulness and deteriorating ability to care for oneself might be potent signs of Alzheimer’s disease or dementia.
Please see your doctor if this is the case with you.
5. Multitasking problems
Problems with multitasking are among what makes people think they have a bad memory.
This often manifests itself when during multitasking, they forget where they left off a former task or forget to do the task(s) entirely or even get totally confused!
In older people, their problem with multitasking might be difficulty in getting back to a task after an interruption.
Multitasking is a way people often use to get things done faster, although studies have suggested that it actually causes the brain to slow down overall. [14] This means the “efficiency” multitasking seems to promise is actually deceptive, multitasking is actually not the best way to get things done faster.
When their multitasking pursuits run foul, such people might start imagining they have a memory problem.
Nevertheless, multitasking abilities is often directly proportional to age. Younger people might find it unchallenging to watch the news and play Scrabble at the same time but most older people will find this challenging.
A weak ability to multitask is probably a chief reason old people come across as “slow” to young people. Old people generally prefer doing one task at a time.
Why having problems with multitasking doesn’t mean you have a memory problem:
Multitasking relies on focus, and studies have shown that the older we become, the more the brain has to “exert effort to maintain focus.”[15]
So, anything that challenges mental focus is already a challenge to multitasking abilities, but this doesn’t mean the memory is affected in any way.
Mood, thoughts, and health problems are some of what can challenge the focus of an otherwise healthy human being.
6. Short Attention Span/Unsustained Attention
An inability to maintain attention for long periods is among what makes people think they have a bad memory.
Attention is the act or state of applying the mind to something.[16]
Attention is the currency of learning and communication, and it is a big channeling path to memory formulation!
We need to pay attention to learn, to focus and work successfully.
But there is probably nothing more frustrating than sincerely trying to pay attention to events and learning, but the mind is “incapable” of doing so!
Could this be a sign that you have a memory problem?
Why having a short attention span doesn’t mean you have a memory problem
This is how it usually goes: you started noticing you have a short memory i.e you remember little out of what you were exposed to.
But before you blame your memory, have you been paying enough attention to what you were exposed to?
Probably not.
Many people complain of having a short memory span, while neglecting their obvious short attention span.
They are complaining of learning things only to forget it minutes after, while ignoring they didn’t pay attention to its learning. [17]
A short attention span can do a lot of damage to learning opportunities. But it is often self-inflicted.
For example, we learn things while having internal distractions within us that prevents us from paying sufficient attention to what is being learned.
A negative mood, depression, stress, confusion, and daydreaming are internal distractions that can rob us of our attention potential!
What is never attended to will not be part of your memory – Don’t forget that.
You have a false memory problem if you already have a short attention span. Fix your attention span and your memory problems might be fixed.
Learn how to do so here.
TREATABLE AND REVERSIBLE. WHY?
Throughout this article, we have discussed various mental manifestations that might look like you are developing a memory problem, but which may actually be false problems and shouldn’t cause you much worry (if any).
Many of such problems are temporary, and with prudence in identifying them, are treatable and reversible.
Now, let’s list some other causes[18] of memory blimps that are also treatable and reversible:
– Depression
– Vitamin B-12 deficiency
– Thyroid gland problems
– Alcohol abuse
– Dehydration
– Side effects of medication
– Stress and anxiety
Discussing all these at length is beyond the scope of this article. If your memory problems are concurrent with any of the above conditions, do well to make a lifestyle change or contact your doctor as the case may be.
Also, make sure you do not try any pill, supplements or drugs that claim to improve the memory without consulting your doctor first. Your brain health is very delicate. Do not consume unproven memory drugs that might jeopardize your health and waste your wealth.
Experts have repeatedly stressed that the best way to keep the brain healthy is to use it. [19] This along with eating a good diet, getting good sleep, managing stress, having a good social life, and exercising regularly [20] are all the most proven ways to keep your mental health in shipshape.
Finally, if your memory lapses are not affecting your normal life or disrupting your social and interpersonal skills, keep your mind at rest. It’s probably nothing to worry about.
Frequently Asked Questions About Having A Bad Memory:
What can I do about my bad memory?
First is to ascertain if you truly have a “bad memory” or if you are imagining it. Various reasons can be the cause of a bad memory, with most of them originating from our lifestyle. If this is is so, eating a good diet, getting good sleep, managing stress, having a good social life, and exercising regularly are some of the most proven ways to keep your mental health and memory in good shape.
You may also consider seeing a qualified medical doctor.
I forget things easily, does this mean I have a memory problem?
No. Unless it is disrupting your life or families and friends are complaining, your forgetfulness may be nothing to cause worry.
Have you checked if you are getting enough sleep? Have you checked if you are unstressed and getting adequate rest?
Experts have also stated that being forgetful is a normal part of aging. So this means that as you grow older, your episodes of forgetfulness may be more frequent. This is very normal and it’s not a sign of serious memory problems.
I struggle to find the right words in a conversation, does this mean I have a memory problem?
This phenomenon is sometimes called “blocking” and experts have said it usually happens when “several similar memories interfere with each other.”
This clearly suggests a memory interference happening, and not a memory deletion. Experiencing blocking doesn’t mean what you know is gone. It only means you probably have an excess of similar memories, and your brain is having a hard time distinguishing which is best to recall in certain situations.
Experiencing this might also means you strive to be a perfectionist in your choice of words. This may be something good and commendable.
References:
1. Memory loss: When to seek help – https://www.mayoclinic.org/diseases-conditions/alzheimers-disease/in-depth/memory-loss/art-20046326 (Retrieved 12-12-2019)
2. Is Your Memory Normal? – https://www.webmd.com/alzheimers/features/is-your-memory-normal (Retrieved 12-12-2019)
3. “absentminded” – https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/absentminded (Retrieved 12-12-2019)
4. Ibid.
5. Forgetfulness: What’s Normal, What’s Not – https://www.keckmedicine.org/forgetfulness-whats-normal-whats-not/ (Retrieved 12-12-2019)
6. Memory, Forgetfulness, and Aging: What’s Normal and What’s Not? – https://www.nia.nih.gov/health/memory-forgetfulness-and-aging-whats-normal-and-whats-not (Retrieved 12-12-2019)
7. Richards, B. and Frankland, P. (2017). The Persistence and Transience of Memory. Neuron, 94(6), pp.1071-1084.
8. Maybe it starts with simply forgetting something – https://stayingsharp.aarp.org/about/brain-health/normal-memory/ (Retrieved 12-12-2019)
9. Ibid.
10. Ibid.
11. What is Cognition? Meaning and Definition – https://www.cognifit.com/cognition (Retrieved 12-12-2019)
12. Memory, Forgetfulness, and Aging: What’s Normal and What’s Not? – https://www.nia.nih.gov/health/memory-forgetfulness-and-aging-whats-normal-and-whats-not (Retrieved 12-12-2019)
13. Forgetfulness: What’s Normal, What’s Not – https://www.keckmedicine.org/forgetfulness-whats-normal-whats-not/ (Retrieved 12-12-2019)
14. How to Improve Your Memory – https://m.wikihow.com/Improve-Your-Memory (Retrieved 9-3-2019)
15. Maybe it starts with simply forgetting something – https://stayingsharp.aarp.org/about/brain-health/normal-memory/ (Retrieved 12-12-2019)
16. “attention” – https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/absentminded (Retrieved 12-12-2019)
17. Proven Ways Paying Attention Can Boost Your Memory – https://infovoresecrets.com/proven-ways-paying-attention-can-boost-your-memory-exponentially/?modTest= (Retrieved 18-12-2019)
18. Age-Related Memory Loss – https://www.helpguide.org/articles/alzheimers-dementia-aging/age-related-memory-loss.htm (Retrieved 12-12-2019)
19. Is Your Memory Normal? – https://www.webmd.com/alzheimers/features/is-your-memory-normal (Retrieved 12-12-2019)
20. What are nootropics (smart drugs)? – https://www.medicalnewstoday.com/articles/326379.php (Retrieved 13-10-2019)
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