Some events, and some names and faces, definitely should be forgotten. Embarrassing moments, things you wish you hadn't said or done, are memories you can relegate to the memory trash bin. Purposely forgetting is one thing, and we all try to do it on occasion. But on those occasions when memory simply fails you -- when you truly don't remember a name, a job assignment slips your mind, you forget a doctor's appointment -- your forgetfulness can have unpleasant consequences.

Forgetting is normal. We all experience it from time to time. And when it's an occasional problem, that's OK. But when forgetfulness becomes a chronic problem, that indicates that one of two things is happening:
  1. You're not locking in the information you just received. New information will be lost in seven seconds if you don't lock it in right away.
  2. You have a physical or mental condition that's preventing you from remembering. For example: Alzheimer's disease, senile dementia, hypoglycemia, severe anemia, depression, anxiety, alcohol or drug abuse, head injury, or severe viral or bacterial illness. Some prescribed medications make remembering a little difficult, too.
Memory is divided into two parts: short-term and long-term. The short-term memory bank holds the memory for only a few seconds, then transfers it to the long-term memory bank. If the transfer doesn't take place, the memory is lost.

Memory loss ia a serious problem.
©2007 Publications International, Ltd.
Memory loss can have serious consequences.

If you're affected by the Seven-Second Syndrome, which is failing to lock in information once it's presented to you, there are memory-strengthening techniques that can improve that forgetfulness.

Mnemonics. This is the skill of consciously gathering new memory (information) and connecting it to prior memory (knowledge) for easy recall. For example, if you meet someone named Webster, it might trigger you to think of Webster's dictionary. You've now connected something new, the person's name, with something you already know. The connection itself is the mnemonic.

Acronyms. This is a word formed from a group of letters, each representing the first letter of a word that makes up a phrase. We're such an acronymic society that acronyms are assigned to just about everything, so why not join the crowd and assign your own acronyms to things you want to remember. An easy acronym that comes to mind is ASAP -- as soon as possible. Maybe in your cooking ASAP can mean add salt and pepper.

Rhymes. Rhyme and rhythm have always been terrific memory aids.

Lists, mental images, visual prompts. These all can help you forget your forgetfulness.

Sometimes memory problems stem from nutritional deficiencies, stress, and other problems that can be controlled once you know how. Here are some KMBs -- kitchen memory boosters -- that might just help you remember.

These tricks can help, but if you feel like your memory needs more of a jump-start, go to the next page to learn more about natural home remedies for memory problems.

To learn more about how the brain works and disorders associated with memory problems, try the following links:
 This information is solely for informational purposes. IT IS NOT INTENDED TO PROVIDE MEDICAL ADVICE. Neither the Editors of Consumer Guide (R), Publications International, Ltd., the author nor publisher take responsibility for any possible consequences from any treatment, procedure, exercise, dietary modification, action or application of medication which results from reading or following the information contained in this information. The publication of this information does not constitute the practice of medicine, and this information does not replace the advice of your physician or other health care provider. Before undertaking any course of treatment, the reader must seek the advice of their physician or other health care provider.