Don't Always Associate Forgetting With Age

Forgetting is a natural condition and felt by almost everyone. Not seldom forgetassociated with older people. whereas, There are also certain conditions that can be the cause of forgetting.

The thing that often causes forgetfulness is an unhealthy lifestyle. For example, often consume alcohol and smoke. A study shows, smoking risks reduce oxygen levels in the brain.

Understanding Long-Term and Short-Term Memory

Broadly speaking, human memory can be divided into short-term and long-term memory.

Long-term memory is information that is stored for a long time. For example, things that happened a few days to a dozen years ago. These memories are often unconscious, but can be recalled if needed or if there is a trigger associated with the memory.

Long-term memory itself is divided into two types, namely explicit and implicit memory. Implicit memory is unconscious, such as how to operate a computer or drive a vehicle, while explicit memory is conscious memory, such as knowledge of certain information or events.

Meanwhile, short-term memory is memory that is easily lost if it is not accessed again or is not needed by being replaced by new information. However, if accessed frequently, this short-term memory can then turn into long-term memory.

Important memories are easier to recall than other memories. However, this memory will also be easier to reappear if it is remembered more often. This is the reason why children who study often will find it easier to remember the material they learn, so they tend to be more successful in school exams.

Factors that Cause Forgetting

The cause of forgetting can be caused by various factors. Following are some of them:

• Consumption of drugs

  Some types of drugs, such as antidepressants, sleeping pills, and pain relievers, have the risk of reducing memory.

• Stress and depression

  This can make it difficult for you to focus and concentrate, so your ability to remember will also decline.

• Lack of sleep

  Lack of quality and sleep time can cause a decrease in the brain's ability to process information.

• Nutritional deficiency

  Several types of nutrients can support brain work, such as vitamins B1 and B12. Lack of these vitamins can affect memory.

• Head injury

  Head injuries that occur due to collisions or accidents, have a risk of affecting the ability to remember.

• Certain conditions or diseases

  Stroke can cause disturbances in brain function, as well as affect memory. Some infectious diseases can cause memory loss, such as HIV, tuberculosis, and syphilis. In addition, dementia is one of the most severe causes of forgetfulness. In dementia, there is progressive memory loss, so the sufferer is unable to interact and carry out normal activities.

How to Improve Memory

There are several tips that you can do to improve memory, namely:

• Train kconcentration and brain work

  Concentrate on what is being done. Brain abilities can also be trained so that you don't easily forget certain games or challenges.

• Limit sugar consumption

  If consumed in excess, foods with high sugar content are believed to trigger memory deterioration.

• Taking fish oil supplements

  This supplement contains high omega 3 fatty acids, so it is useful to improve short-term memory, especially in the elderly (elderly).

• Eating food which is anti-inflammatory

  Foods that are rich in anti-inflammatory substances (anti-inflammatory), such as strawberries, salmon, broccoli, mushrooms, olive oil, tomatoes, and avocados, are very good in maintaining your memory.

In addition, you also need to train your brain to stay active so you don't forget easily, among others, by doing lots of exercise, socializing, and playing games that stimulate the brain, such as puzzle and word play

Forgetting is a condition that can be experienced by everyone. But if forgetting what you are experiencing has interfered with your activities, immediately consult a doctor to find the cause and how to deal with it appropriately.