#19 Understand Your Brain To Improve Your Memory
The secret to ultimate memory function lies in understanding how the human brain works and also how memory loss occurs. Your brain is made up of a number of systems all of which play a different role as far as processing of information is concerned. These roles include creating, storing and recalling memories. However, before any memory can be created, the information has to be encoded and in order for encoding to occur, you must be paying attention. This means that your attention span can greatly influence your memory - and thus anything that interferes with your attention spans also interferes with your memory. Increasing your attention span will help improve your memory.
Once a memory has been created, it has to be stored so that it can be retrieved at a later date, if need be. Your brain stores memories in three stages: the sensory stage, short term memory and long term memory. Immediately your brain registers information, the information goes into the sensory stage for a brief period of time before being transferred into short term memory. The information then remains in short term memory for about 20—30 seconds before being transferred into long term memory. Information can remain in long term memory indefinitely.
Your brain finds it easier to store information on subjects that you are already familiar with since it can make connections between related memories. That’s why you may be able to remember in-depth information about one subject but easily forget basic information about another subject. Whenever you remember something, it means your brain has brought that particular memory into your conscious mind. However, if you find yourself having trouble retrieving a certain memory, it may mean that one of the components of your memory system is inefficient.
There are three main causes of memory loss:
- The inability to register information clearly
- The inability to retain registered information
- The inability to retrieve stored memories
In order to improve your memory, you first need to identify the inefficient component. Next, you'll need to find a targeted exercise and training program to help fix this component. One easy way to do this is to use memory improvement software such as Ultimate Memory, which is designed to help you focus on specific aspects of memory improvement.
In addition to the above mentioned causes of memory loss, the brain is quite susceptible to aging which in turn may result to further memory loss. For instance, the hippocampus, an area of the brain which is responsible for putting together related information loses 5% of its nerve cells every 10 years. Moreover, the brain itself shrinks with age resulting in memory decline. The good news, however, is that memory loss, regardless of its cause, can be reduced or reversed. This can be achieved by using memory games and memory improvement software, among other things.