Keeping forgetting things within seconds is normal once in a while. But If you’re frequently forgetting something that you always remembered before, that can be a red flag for mental deterioration or the onset of dementia.
While you might wonder why my memory is so bad, forgetting is part of life, and people quickly forget. Some researchers have found that approximately 56% of information is forgotten within an hour, 66% after a day, and 75% after six days.
The reality is that while the brain can perform wonderful jobs, its capacity to store and recall details is limited. So there are a few different ways and reasons that we keep forgetting things within seconds.
Table of Contents
Why do we keep forgetting things within seconds?
All of us go through situations like we forget where we put our keys. But memory loss is somewhat different. It can take many different forms—from mild memory lapses to longer-term memory loss. In short-term memory, there is a storing of information for up to 30 seconds. in the issue of short-term memory loss, you forget things you’ve done recently.
Following are the symptoms of short-term memory loss which appears in forgetting:
- Where you put something
- Recent events
- That you already asked a question
- Something you saw or read recently
The problem of short-term memory loss can be a normal part of aging. Keep forgetting things within seconds could be something more serious. Talk to your doctor if you or a loved one is concerned about your cognitive health due to memory loss.
Alcohol
Memory-related areas of the brain are more sensitive to alcohol-related damage than other parts of the brain. So heavy drinking can affect it badly. Studies show that alcohol-related dementia accounts for 10% of all dementia cases, and alcohol is estimated to contribute to about 29% of all other dementia cases. We observe that once someone stops drinking, their memory loss can stabilize to some extent.
Medication
You should consult your doctor to advise you about your prescription and over-the-counter medications. Some medications can cause memory loss as a side effect, and it tends to happen more in older people.
Lack of sleep
Sleep helps your brain store memories. The goal is to get 7 to 8 hours of sleep a night. And a lack of sleep is also a risk factor for Alzheimer’s disease.
Head Injury
Head trauma like a concussion is also a cause of memory loss. Even a single blow to the head can cause memory loss that stays the same or improves over time. So you can see that repeated blows to the head—like those from boxing or football—can cause progressive memory loss and other cognitive problems.
Stroke
Both short- and long-term memory loss is common in older stroke survivors. With time, memory may improve, either on its own or through rehabilitation. Its symptoms can last for years and be made worse by some medications, lack of sleep, and use of alcohol or drugs. Medications for related issues like anxiety, depression, or sleep disorders may help address memory loss after stroke.
Hypothyroidism
It is a gland with a butterfly-shaped gland present in the front of the neck. It is important to normalize many body functions by constantly releasing steady thyroid hormones into the bloodstream. Hypothyroidism takes place when the thyroid gland stops releasing the required amount of thyroid hormone in the body.
If this issue is left undiagnosed or untreated, you may face memory problems and difficulty concentrating.
How to Minimize Forgetting
While it is quite natural to forget one thing or the other, there are some things you can do to help cement important information in your memory. These include:
- Exercise: It is a good way to rapid improvements in memory function. You do not need to spend hours on the treadmill or at the gym to get this benefit. Observations show that brief, very light exercise leads to quick enhancements in memory function.6
- Get plenty of sleep: A good night’s sleep is necessary for both physical and mental well-being. Grown-up people should get seven to nine hours of sleep every night; however, their demands may vary.
- Rehearse the information: A good way to commit something to memory and reduce the chances of forgetting it is to use the old standby: rehearsal. Go over the information repeatedly until you’ve saved it to your memory board.
- Write it down: When all else fails, make notes of important details so you may refer back to them later. In certain situations, writing things down may assist you in remembering them better afterward. Down may help you remember it more later.
When to see a doctor
If you’re concerned about your short-term memory loss, you should ask your neurologist about it, especially as you age.
If your memory loss and its symptoms interfere with your daily life or have other symptoms of potential causes, you should see your doctor.
Conclusion
Ask your doctor if you’re concerned that you or someone you know has a memory problem. He will better diagnose the problem or refer you to an expert who specializes in memory problems.
Frequently Asked Questions(FAQs)
What is it called when you forget things quickly?
Alzheimer’s disease, which affects some older people, is different from everyday forgetting. It is a condition that permanently affects the brain. You can avoid it by:
- Physical activity in your daily routine.
- Stay mentally active
- Get organized
- Socialize regularly
- Sleep well
- Eat a healthy diet
- Manage chronic conditions
What foods are bad for your memory?
Following are the harmful foods for your brain:
- Sugary Drinks.
- Refined Carbs
- Foods High in Trans Fats
- Highly Processed Foods
- Aspartame
- Alcohol
- Fish High in Mercury
When should I worry about my memory?
If you’re frequently forgetting things you always remembered before, that can be a red flag for mental deterioration or the onset of dementia. In general, if you are worried enough to ask yourself this question, you should speak to your doctor.