Chapter 10

Human Memory FAQ

Twelve Common Questions People Ask about Memory.

This comprehensive guide will not be complete without providing answers to some frequently asked questions on human memory. We believe that by doing this, we will be able to cover some aspects of human memory that will not readily fall under any of the preceding chapters of this guide.

Let’s get started!

1. Why Is My Brain so Foggy?

Brain fog involves not being able to focus and concentrate one’s mind on something. The brain can be foggy because of many conditions.

Some of what cause brain fog are mentioned below:

1. Stress
2. Lack of sleep or inadequate sleep
3. Medication
4. Depression

The best way to know why your brain is so foggy is to consult a qualified medical practitioner.

2. Is High IQ Genetic, and Can IQ be Increased Over Time?

There is a somewhat complex relationship between IQ and genes. However, we have reasons to believe that there is a relationship between IQ and genetics^[1][2].

Furthermore, research works have shown that human IQ can be increased^[3]. In other words, IQ level decreases and increases.

Some activities that can boost your IQ include:

1. Trying new hobbies
2. Learning new languages
3. Solving puzzles^[4]
4. Reading ^[5].

3. How Do I Know If I Have a Good Memory?

Generally, you have a good memory unless you have a health condition that is to be affecting your brain/memory.

Memory is not fixed but changes from time to time. This means it can perform greatly at some times and poorly at other times.

For example, your memory can perform poorly when you are stressed out or when something is seriously bothering your mind.

In conclusion, you should believe that you have a good memory unless your health condition clearly shows otherwise.

Also, you can sharpen your memory by following the recommendations given in chapters 1 to 9 of this guide.

4. What Is the Difference Between the Memory of a Scholar and That of a Fool?

The main difference between the memory of a scholar and that of a fool appears to be in the content of their memory. The memory of a scholar is loaded with useful facts and events, while that of a fool is loaded with useless gossips and myths.

You can read about other differences between a scholar and a fool here.

5. How Can I Sharpen My Mind?

To sharpen your mind, do the following.

1. Improve your concentration and focus.
2. Pay attention to details.
3. Reduce stress in your life.
4. Use memory techniques to remember facts.
5. Exercise regularly.
6. Eat a healthy and balanced diet.

6. What Is The Fastest Way To Memorize?

People memorize in different ways and what works exceptionally for a person may not really work for someone else.

So, it will be challenging to state the fastest way to memorize.

That said, using memory techniques can speed up the rate at which you memorize new information. Please go to Chapter 8 of this guide to learn more about memory techniques.

7. How Do I Get Smarter Overnight?

Unless you are acted upon by some supernatural forces, you can’t get smarter overnight.

This means that ordinarily, you can’t sleep as a dumb person and wake up as a genius. It does not work that way.

Smartness is like a system that requires many processes. Unfortunately for those who like shortcuts, these processes take a considerable amount of time.

In conclusion, forget about becoming smart overnight and instead focus your energy on getting smarter little by little.

One best way to become smarter easily is to associate with those people who are already knowledgeable in what you want to become knowledgeable in.

8. Can I Gain a Photographic Memory (Brain)?

If by this you mean a brain or memory that looks at an item, fact, or information and immediately capture it (like a camera) without any effort on its part, then what you are talking about is a myth. There is no such thing as a photographic brain.

It is a myth.

Learning and memorization require some efforts on the part of a person.

One needs to pay attention and do some mental work to store information perfectly.

Nevertheless, there are a few things you can do to improve your memory, and these things have already been discussed in the preceding chapters of this guide, you can refer to them for details.

9. What Is the Relationship Between Blood Pressure and Memory?

Before we answer the question, let us first define what blood pressure is.

Blood pressure can simply be defined as the pressure (force) by which the heart propels oxygen-rich blood to all parts of the body.

This pressure must not be too high or low. It must be normal for the body to function well.

When the pressure is too high, the force of the blood passing through the body can damage organs, and when the force is too low, it means some part of the body will not be getting enough oxygen-rich blood.

From this explanation alone, we are certain that there is a clear relationship between blood pressure and the brain. We can say that when the blood pressure is too low, the brain may not get the required oxygen-rich blood, and when it is too high, the force may damage the brain.

We need not mention that when the brain is negatively affected, our memory may suffer also.

In fact, research has shown that high blood pressure in midlife is associated with a later decline in memory^[6].

Another research showed that hypertension and obesity escalate memory loss in people at risk for Alzheimer’s disease^[7].

In conclusion, we will advise you to see your qualified doctor if your blood pressure is not around 120/80.

10. Can Dementia Patients Learn New Things?

The short answer is yes.

However, this will usually depend on the stage or level of the dementia.

Also, teaching dementia patients what they already know but have forgotten may be more rewarding than teaching them a completely new skill.

11. If I Forget Things Easily Do I Have Dementia?

According to WHO, dementia is a syndrome in which there is deterioration in memory, thinking, behavior and the ability to perform everyday activities.

If you have all the symptoms mentioned above, then you may have dementia.

However, the best way to know if you have dementia is to see a qualified medical doctor.

12. Does Anxiety Affect Memory?

Definitely yes. When you are very anxious, your brain has a problem remembering things or storing new information.

When we are anxious, our brain tends to focus on the anxiety, and our memory may not perform optimally. Anxiety can be equated to stress – we all know that we have problem recollecting information when we are stressed.

In fact, there is a relationship between persistent anxiety and memory loss^[8].

References:

1. Genetics, Help, and Genetics Traits. “Is Intelligence Determined By Genetics?: Medlineplus Genetics”. Medlineplus.Gov, 2020, https://medlineplus.gov/genetics/understanding/traits/intelligence/. Accessed 29 Oct 2020.
2. Plomin, R. and Deary, I. (2014). Genetics and intelligence differences: five special findings. Molecular Psychiatry, 20(1), pp.98-108.
3. “Can You Boost Your IQ? The Evidence Says Yes”. Evidencebasedliving.Human.Cornell.Edu, 2020, http://evidencebasedliving.human.cornell.edu/2011/12/07/can-you-boost-your-iq-the-evidence-says-yes/. Accessed 29 Oct 2020.
4. “How To Improve Your IQ | Siowfa15: Science In Our World: Certainty And Controversy”. Sites.Psu.Edu, 2015, https://sites.psu.edu/siowfa15/2015/12/04/how-to-improve-your-iq/. Accessed 29 Oct 2020.
5. Ramsden, S., Richardson, F., Josse, G., Shakeshaft, C., Seghier, M. and Price, C. (2013). The influence of reading ability on subsequent changes in verbal IQ in the teenage years. Developmental Cognitive Neuroscience, 6, pp.30-39.
6. Merz, Beverly. “High Blood Pressure In Midlife Linked To Later Decline In Memory, Thinking Skills – Harvard Health Blog”. Harvard Health Blog, 2014, https://www.health.harvard.edu/blog/high-blood-pressure-midlife-linked-later-declines-memory-thinking-skills-201408077320. Accessed 29 Oct 2020.
7. Clark, L., Koscik, R., Allison, S., Berman, S., Norton, D., Carlsson, C., Betthauser, T., Bendlin, B., Christian, B., Chin, N., Asthana, S. and Johnson, S. (2019). Hypertension and obesity moderate the relationship between β-amyloid and cognitive decline in midlife. Alzheimer’s & Dementia, 15(3), pp.418-428
8. “The Relationship Between Anxiety And Memory Loss – Rivier Academics”. Rivier Academics, 2018, https://www.rivier.edu/academics/blog-posts/the-relationship-between-anxiety-and-memory-loss/. Accessed 29 Oct 2020.