Ways to keep your memory sharp

What is Human Memory?

Human Memory is our ability to process, store, retain and recall information and past experiences.

Part of the brain involved in memory 

Human Memory can be a short term,recent and long term

Short-term (immediate) memory: It is the storage of sensory information for short period  while awaiting processing and need constant rehearsal.Or retention of information over a short period measure in minutes

Recent memory : This is the memory of event over the past few days

Long-term  (remote)memory: Retaining of sensory information for long period

Aftermath of brain injury

Disturbances of memory

Amnestic disorder: inability of the individual to remember events occurring a few minutes before, but can recall remote events.

Long period of unconsciousness due to head injury

Disease that can cause memory loss are many but the common ones are

Dementia: is total impairment of intellect, memory and personality but without impairment of consciousness .

Delirium: is total impairments of consciousness resulting in reduced level of alertness,  attentions and perception of the environment.



How to keep our memory Sharp

The way you live, what you eat and drink, and how you treat your body affect your memory as well as your physical health and fitness/wellbeing . Here are the list of things you can do every day to keep mind and body in sound health.

Stress Management: The persistent daily stresses such as deadline pressures or petty arguments can surely distract and affect your ability to focus and recall. Deep breathing, meditation, and a “mindful” approach to living can all help.

Brain under stress condition

Sleep: a good night’s sleep according to research has shown that , those who don’t sleep well at night tend to be more forgetful than people who sleep soundly. A good night’s sleep is essential for sharp and sound memories. The most common reason for poor sleep is insomnia, i.e, difficulty falling asleep or staying asleep.



It’s adviceable to try and improve your sleep habits first before turning to medications, because, many of those medicines used to treat insomnia can impair memory and brain function. if those steps don’t yield positive results, then, you do need sleep aids at the lowest dose for the shortest time.

Smoking: another agent that destroy our memory, therefore, If you do smoke, I will advice to quit it. Research has shown that smokers have a greater degree of age-related memory problems and memory loss than the nonsmokers.

Smoking Effect 

"People who smoke more than two packs of cigarettes a day at midlife have more risk of developing dementia in old age compared with nonsmokers. However, those who stop smoking by midlife and those who smoke less than half a pack a day have a similar risk of dementia as people who have never smoked in their life".


Alcohol: it has been noted that , drinking too much alcohol increases the risk for memory loss and dementia. Those people with alcoholism have difficulty performing short-term memory tasks, such as memorizing lists. Another type of memory loss associated with alcohol use is called Korsakoff’s syndrome, a chronic memory disorder caused by severe deficiency of thiamine (vitamin B-1) and is most commonly caused by alcohol misuse.
In this condition, there is a long-term vitamin B1 deficiency in collaboration with the toxic effects of alcohol act on the brain, then trigger sudden and dramatic amnesia. In some cases this memory loss is permanent, but if caught early, can be reversed to some degree.

Alcohol Abuse

Head Injury: Head trauma is a major cause of memory loss as well as increases the risk of developing dementia, therefore , protecting our head from any sorts of trauma/injury is essential especially in children.
For examples, use of appropriate gear during high-speed activities and contact sports, wearing of seat belts when riding in motor vehicles. Car accidents are by far the most common cause of brain injury, and wearing seat belts greatly reduces the chances of severe head injury. Wearing of protective devices prevent head injury.

Traumatic Brain

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