Human memory is an important process of registering, storing and retrieving of the information. This information can be of recent origin or past event that we may have learned or experienced. As we all know, just like any other bodily process, memory too isn’t flawless. Often people forget things. In some cases information is not properly encoded in memory. Problems with memory can be as simple as not finding the car key that you may have left it recently or a major disease which may be affecting the daily life of a person.
There are five types of memory. These types are classified according to the rate at which the stored information decays. Sensory memory is the information that is perceived through the senses. It remains for few seconds. Short term memory remains for few seconds but it is registered at conscious and subconscious level. Later on short term memory is converted into long term memory. Long term memory remains for months and years. The other type of memory is described as photographic memory in which the person stores the events and experiences in photographic details.
Many people have problems with retrieving recent memory. It is a common problem faced by many. There are different causes for it. Short term memory as it indicates is for short period of time. It is also called working memory where bits of recently occurring events are stored temporarily, usually for few seconds or minutes. For example you temporarily remember the appointment date until you write it down in a paper. Here are some signs of recent memory loss such as not able to recollect right word to say, or not remembering what you have read recently. You may walk in one room to another not remembering the reason behind it.
What Causes Problem In Retrieving Recent Memory?
There are wide varieties of reasons for which you are unable to retrieve recent memory. Some of them are related to illnesses, while many others are simply due to living unhealthy lifestyle. Medical conditions that may be instrumental in interfering with recent memory are diseases such as brain tumor, brain injury, depression, dementia, encephalitis, diabetes, epilepsy, Parkinson’s disease, insomnia, Alzheimer’s disease, exposure to toxic materials, thyroid disease, certain prescription drugs can also cause short term memory loss.
Besides several medical related problems which affect memory, there are certain non medical conditions that may also cause problems in retrieving recent memory. Living unhealthy lifestyle is to be blamed for it. Lack of exercise, lack of sleep, regular mental stress and strain, etc all affect the brain function to some extent.
However, the most problematic are the three; stress, lack of sleep and diet high in sugar. Sleep is essential for wellbeing of body. It is during sleep the brain is able to filter and consolidate important memory. During sleep body tries to repair the damaged cells and creates newer cells, including brain cells. If you are deprived of sleep for a long time, you experience difficulty in retrieving recent memory.
Stressful life is another problem for retrieving short term memory. Under mental stress, body releases cortisol a steroidal hormone which in a long run can age the brain prematurely. It causes problems in retrieving recent memory. The condition becomes pronounced as a person gets older.
Consuming too much of simple sugar is not good for your memory, although glucose is the main nutrient needed by the brain for its functioning. Excess of sugary food can cause insulin resistance in the brain. This may affect memory.