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.

Dealing With Short Term Memory Problems

Hundreds of thousands of people around the world deal with short term memory problems and in fact everyone usually deals with short term memory problems at least once in their life. It is normal to forget things occasionally but for many people their memory loss begins to be a problem and interfere with their regular lifestyle and this is when you should consider doing something for it.

If you are worried that your forgetfulness is a sign of more serious short term memory problems then there are a few things you are going to want to do. The first thing is take a memory test, which will ask a variety of questions to which you answer, and the basic point here is to find out if you do have a memory problem and if so how severe it actually is.

After the Test

Once you have completed the test, if the results show that you do have a memory problem you have to start from here in terms of dealing with it. The first is to determine what type of memory loss you are experiencing. Consider whether your memory loss is disrupting your day to day living, how often your memory lapses occur, what kinds of things are being forgotten, and whether there are signs of confusion.

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.

You should also determine what the causes of your memory loss are if you can. Medications are often a cause of short term memory problems, and examples of medications that can interfere with memory include over-the-counter and prescription sleeping pills and anti-anxiety medications.

Stress is also a major cause of memory loss, as is head injury, sleep deprivation, thyroid dysfunction, nutritional deficiencies, dementia, alcohol and illicit drug use, depression, and infections.

Also remember that short term memory problems are often a sign of something much more serious, such as Alzheimer’s. It is therefore very important, even if you do take steps towards improving your memory, that you get in to see your doctor in order to have yourself checked out and make sure that nothing more serious is going on.

Your doctor will most likely perform a few tests and examinations, with the purpose being to count out any serious conditions such as Alzheimer’s and other forms of dementia. If you ever begin to notice memory loss you should not get worried or frustrated but rather take the proper steps towards maintaining your health and ensuring that you are not going to suffer further memory loss by letting your situation go untreated.