Never do these things: neuroscientist names four things that destroy our memory

Neuroscientist Charan Ranganath spoke about the aspects that destroy human memory. He spent 25 years on the research.

The scientist assures that it is possible to delay the "moments of aging" by avoiding four common habits that destroy our memory with age. This was reported by NBC Connecticut.

Ambiguity

We rely on an area of the brain called the prefrontal cortex to pay attention to the world around us. "Unfortunately, this ability to focus often deteriorates over time," says Ranganath.

Multitasking impairs memory and weakens the function of the prefrontal cortex, depleting the resources that normally help us form strong memories.

How to improve your memory: Put your phone in focus mode and set aside time in your schedule to do specific tasks. Create breaks for meditation, daydreaming, walking outside, or anything else that will recharge your batteries. Just don't try to do everything at once.

Lack of quality sleep

The quantity and quality of sleep often deteriorate with age. Medications, alcohol, and stress can exacerbate the problem. But when you sleep, your brain works hard. Memories are also activated and connections are made between different events we have experienced.

How to improve your memory: Try to avoid heavy foods, caffeine, and alcohol right before bed.

Monotonous activities

We remember events by putting together information about what happened when it happened, and where it happened. This is called episodic memory. A cue uniquely associated with a particular place and time, such as a song you haven't heard since high school or the smell of a dish your grandmother cooked, can trigger a vivid episodic memory. This only works if you have impressions associated with relatively different contexts-not so much with monotonous experiences.

How to improve your memory: You may have very few memories of a week spent entirely at your desk checking emails and watching TikTok videos. So consider diversifying your daily routine. Spending time with different people, and visiting different places will allow you to create lasting memories.

Overconfidence in your memory

If you are trying to do something that requires memorization, such as being introduced to a group of people or trying to learn a foreign language, you should first recognize that not everything is memorable at once.

How to improve your memory: Instead of mechanical memorization, the most effective learning occurs in circumstances where we have difficulty recalling a memory and then getting the answer we are looking for. For example, a few minutes after you have learned something, try to test yourself. Then repeat it in an hour.

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