Short
Term Memory Loss: Causes and Coping Skills
Our short term memory, or what
is often called our working memory, is the portion of our brain
that stores thoughts and images that are recent and don’t
necessarily qualify for long term storage; they may be interesting
for the moment, but that does not mean they necessarily have any
major significance and will not, therefore, make it to long term
memory storage where more pertinent information is sent. The information
that goes into short term memory is typically more easily accessible
than long term memory. However, there are many issues that can lead
to loss of short term memory including:
- Brain trauma
- Alcoholism
- Stroke
- Drugs
- Aging
- Seizures
Some of the symptoms you will find with
short term memory loss are the inability to remember what happened
to you an hour ago, and yet you are able to completely recall your
third grade piano recital. The information that you most recently
would have processes is what goes blank when dealing with short
term memory loss. Most often the short term memory loss is short
lived and the patient will have their memory back after a short
period of time. However, if the short term memory loss does continue
you should seek a physicians help as soon as possible.
Some of the steps you can take if you believe you are dealing with
a short term memory loss are to do some mental agility exercises
such as crossword puzzles or just reciting the alphabet. Forcing
your brain into normal functioning can be very helpful towards cutting
down on the length of short term memory loss. You may also try to
ease the tension on the memory by putting things such as your keys
and other important items in central locations so you don’t
have to search for them every time you need them.
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