Memory

Test

Factors Affecting Memory

Memory Test

Read this list of ten words and commit them to memory.

LEG CHEESE TENT MOTOR FLOWER STAMP CUP KING FOREST MENU

Read it again and commit it to memory

LEG TENT CUP FLOWER FOREST STAMP CHEESE MOTOR KING MENU

Read it again and commit it to memory

CHEESE FLOWER TENT MENU MOTOR STAMP LEG CUP KING FOREST

Short and Long Term Memory

Short –term memory – all information is stored and processed through here and eventually placed into your long term memory if you want it there. You can only stored up to nine items at a time in short-term memory.

Long-term Memory – to place short term memories into long term storage it must be “encoded.” This involves brain work like studying, repetition, or mnemonics. Once memory is encoded we never really lose it.

Factors Affecting Memory

1. Age – we lose memory ability as we age2. Stress – creates changes in the body decreasing memory

ability3. Exercise – keeps the body and the mind in shape by

sending oxygen to the brain and helping to produce certain neurochemical that stimulate memory

4. Mental Exercise (studying) – practice makes perfect, but also challenging your brain to unique activities like trying to write with your other hand, or even crossword puzzles.

5. Sleep – the brain needs downtime to shuttle the days learning into long-term memory

Factors Affecting Memory

6. Diet – lack of B vitamins has been linked to memory loss. Eat plenty of chicken, fish, cereal, spinach, strawberries, blueberries, and fortified soy milk.

7. Mindfulness – the more attentive you are the better your memory. The more attentive you are the more “present” you are when information is being shared or an event is taking place.

What was that list of words?

Please write out the list of words you committed to memory at the beginning of this lesson. Submit your lists to your folders.

If you got eight or more answers right, congratulations; your memory is indeed very sharp. If you can remember only four, that barely qualifies in the normal range. Getting only two correct is more typical of someone in the early stages of Alzheimer's; you may have a memory problem and should see your doctor.