However memory problems can great impact these functions so it’s important to understand more about them and how they can be treated.
Memory is divided into short term and long term memory. Short term memory is normally associated with thoughts, feelings and input which is available to process and respond to over a relatively short duration.
On the other hand long term memory is similar input which can be processed, stored and eventually retrieved over a much longer time period. So a good example of this kind of memory is remembering an event which occurred a long time ago. In many cases the sights, sounds, and even smells can be recalled.
Memory problems can be caused by a variety of things. One of the most common are age related issues. As the body ages, the ability of the brain to process, store and retrieve information can be impacted. This is not always the case but in general memory function is impacted based on age.
And while memory does occur in the brain, it is not entirely limited to the brain. There are many external factors which can influence our ability to create and retrieve memories. There are many kinds of physiological, emotional and environmental processes which can affect memory. Memory can be impacted by fatigue, nutrition and a number of common illnesses.
There are also certain kinds of medicines which have been shown to affect memory. And memory has been shown to be directly impacted by the mood of the person. That person can be so swept up in the moment that he/she pays little attention to what is going on and then forgets what is happening.
Disease can certainly play a big role in memory problems. One of the most common is Alzheimer’s disease. For some reason, the brain becomes clogged with material which impacts effective brain processes and creates memory problems among others.
There are a number of treatments which can help to address and improve memory problems. In some cases the treatment is simple and may entail changing ones diet or eliminating a drug which is having an adverse reaction.
Or techniques may be applied in the form of brain fitness exercises and games to stimulate the brain and improve ways in which memories are created, stored, and retrieved. Other techniques can improve memory by associating different stimuli with certain information which should be memorized. So a person may learn to remember someone’s name by associating his/her name with something they can more easily remember like a street sign or their child’s favorite toy.
