Short Term memory tip: Among the different forms of memory known to us, there is short term memory that is distinct from long term memory and also sensory memory. Short term memory is that type of memory that allows us to recall things from just a few seconds ago, or even from as long as a minute back, and it is also normal for short term memory to allow storage of just four or five objects, though this number may go up depending on what is known as ‘chunking’. Thus, with chunking, when you see a group of letters ordered in rows rather in scrambled form, it allows us to remember those groups of letters a lot longer than in the case of merely scrambled letters.

Avoidable Habits That Can Affect Long Term Memory

Many things are unavoidable in preventing long term memory loss, such as ageing, Alzheimer’s disease and even getting a cold. So, you don’t need to encourage long term memory loss by engaging in habits sure to harm your brain and your memory. All of these habits are preventable or changeable. They need changes in lifestyle and help from your doctor.

What Is This I Need To Keep Again?

In case you’ve forgotten what long term memory is, it’s the core memories of your life, such as your name, where you were born, how to walk – that sort of thing. This differs from short term memory, which can be easily lost from a knock to the head. When you have a concussion or are thought to have had a head injury or any condition that left you unconscious, one of the first things you’ll be asked is who is president of the United States. That’s a long term memory question. Not knowing what day it is a short term memory question. Damage to your long term memory is usually indicative of some brain injury or damage.

Drinking Alcohol

Memory Loss Tip: How to Preserve Memory. Eating a healthy diet which is low in saturated fat and includes a lot of fresh fruit and vegetables and fish can be helpful in maintaining your memory. Getting plenty of sleep and exercise can also be a help for memory loss. Smoking can decrease you ability to remember information due to reducing the supply of oxygen for your brain. You need to stimulate your brain with activities such as reading, learning new things, doing crossword puzzles, playing mind stimulating games and other activities.

Although alcohol is notorious for helping you forget, sometimes it can help you forget too much. Short term memory is most often the culprit, but long term use or even binge drinking has proven to damage your long term memory. This leads to poor decision making abilities, even when sober. Women’s brains will be harmed faster than men’s brains, for some unfair reason. So make the right decision and stop drinking.

Excessive Marijuana Use

Although we don’t entirely know how the brain processes memory, it is thought that the part of the brain called the hippocampus plays an integral role. Marijuana can affect the hippocampus. In studies where marijuana users had to try and recall a list they learned a month ago, they could not, while those who didn’t use marijuana did. Everyone’s short term memory is affected by marijuana, but it is thought that excessive marijuana use (several joints a day every day) can damage long term memory. Marijuana stays in the body for a full month after it is ingested or inhaled. However, when it’s gone, it seems to take its bad effects with it.

Bad Nutrition

Lack of vitamins and minerals found in healthy foods is thought to contribute to brain malfunctions like long term memory loss. This is why it is important to eat not only a balanced diet, but a varied one, in order to get all the nutrients your body needs.