The reality is that while the brain is capable of impressive feats, its capacity to store and recall details is limited. There are a few different ways and reasons that we forget things. So why are we often unable to retrieve information from memory? One possible explanation of retrieval failure is known as decay theory. According to this theory, a memory trace is created every time a new theory is formed. Decay theory suggests that over time, these memory traces begin to fade and disappear. If the information is not retrieved and rehearsed, it will eventually be lost. One problem with this theory, however, is that research has demonstrated that even memories which have not been rehearsed or remembered are remarkably stable in long-term memory. Research also suggests that the brain actively prunes memories that become unused, a process that is known as active forgetting. As memories accumulate, those that are not retrieved eventually become lost. There are two basic types of interference:
Proactive interference is when an old memory makes it more difficult or impossible to remember a new memory.Retroactive interference occurs when new information interferes with your ability to remember previously learned information.
Sometimes the act of remembering something can lead to other things being forgotten. Research suggests that retrieving some information from memory can lead to retrieval-induced forgetting. This is particularly common when memory retrieval cues are very similar. While this causes forgetting, research also suggests that this type of forgetting can actually be adaptive. By forgetting one memory in favor of another, it reduces the chance of interference happening again in the future. In one classic experiment, researchers asked participants to identify the correct U.S. penny out of a group of drawings of incorrect pennies. While people are familiar with this everyday object, they were surprisingly bad at being able to detect key details. The reason for this is that only details necessary for distinguishing pennies from other coins were encoded into your long-term memory. Identifying a penny does not require knowing the exact image or words found on the coin. Because this information is not really needed, most people never memorize it and commit it to memory. Memories also tend to get simplified. While you might remember the overall gist of something, you are likely to forget many of the details. This is actually an adaptive function that allows you to efficiently store important things that you need to remember in the future. However, the concept of repressed memories is not universally accepted by all psychologists. One of the problems with repressed memories is that it is difficult, if not impossible, to scientifically study whether or not a memory has been repressed. Also note that mental activities such as rehearsal and remembering are important ways of strengthening memory, and memories of painful or traumatic life events are far less likely to be remembered, discussed, or rehearsed.
Alcohol: Drinking alcohol can have a negative effect on memory, so it is best to stick to no more than one or two drinks per day. Depression: Common symptoms of depression include low mood and loss of interest, but difficulty concentrating and forgetfulness can also occur with depressive disorders. Lack of sleep: Sleep plays an important role in memory consolidation, so a lack of quality sleep can have a negative impact on your memory. Medications: Some medications can affect memory including antidepressants, sedatives, and cold and allergy medications. Stress: Excessive stress, both acute and chronic, can also play a role in causing forgetfulness.
Exercise: Research suggests that exercise can lead to rapid improvements in memory function. There’s no need to spend hours on the treadmill or at the gym to get this benefit. Results suggest that brief, very light exercise leads to quick enhancements in memory function. Get plenty of sleep: Adequate sleep is essential for both physical and mental health. While sleep needs can vary, the typical recommendation for adults is seven to nine hours per night. Rehearse the information: Sometimes the best way to commit something to memory and reduce the chances it will be forgotten is to use the old standby: rehearsal. Go over the information repeatedly until you’ve committed it to memory. Write it down: When all else fails, write down important information so that you can refer to it later. In some cases, the act of writing it down may actually help you remember it more later.
