Do I have poor memory? Does anyone relate? How do you remember things?

[The Sum of Awe]

I seem to remember things in glimpses, kind of like how one might remember a dream.

I can remember bits and pieces of my childhood, or even just last year, but never in detail. It's sort of like flash images. I can remember 'things' though, as in concepts and things I've done, if I think long enough, and those could summon more flash images. But very rarely more than a few seconds of 'video'-like memory.

I saw a picture of an old game Crash Bandicoot on Reddit. I saw the mask he wears in the image. Just a couple days ago I was talking with a friend at work about Crash Bandicoot and how I used to play that game as a kid, but the details of the game like certain levels, or even that signature mask he puts on to level up, didn't come to mind. Now that I think about it more I can remember more details about the game. I suppose it's possible I wasn't putting effort into activating the memory at the time in the midst of conversation.

It would be more fun if I could recall things like that mid conversation. I could've tried to replicate the noise he makes when he puts on the mask, or even just mention the mask.


What's your memory like? Is it pretty vivid and detailed?

 

[Jayhawker Soule]

I'm 79. My long-term memory has never been particularly good. As I age I've become increasingly aware of short-term issues as well, the most common being lethologica.

 

[JustGeorge]

My memory is embarrassingly bad. I will say its gotten to the point of actually causing problems; I blame trauma in recent years. Before that, it was average.

But I seem to recall travel better than most. Not the vacation itself, but the road. Not sure why.

 

[Quintessence]

Most humans have unrealistic expectations about memory in part because they are not taught about how it works. All memory is reconstructive, it's not like a book where information is fossilized onto a page. Yet many think it is supposed to work that way (it isn't and doesn't) then conclude their memories are bad (they aren't). Oh well.

How Memory Works

Memory is a continually unfolding process. Initial details of an experience take shape in memory; the brain’s representation of that information then changes over time. With subsequent reactivations, the memory grows stronger or fainter and takes on different characteristics. Memories reflect...

www.psychologytoday.com

 

[Sand Dancer]

My memory is not very good anymore. I picture the things I need to remember, in a funny manner so it's easier.

 

[Secret Chief]

I'm 79. My long-term memory has never been particularly good. As I age I've become increasingly aware of short-term issues as well, the most common being lethologica.

Not heard of that term before. I was only saying the other day, to wotsit, you know about that, er, thingy, sometimes you can't just.... what was I saying? Oh yes, that actor, what's his name? He was in that thing with oozit... the one that used to be married to... the blonde woman, you know...

 

[Secret Chief]

Only the other day the vet said our cat was experiencing cognitive decline. At least I think it was the vet. I'm pretty sure she was talking about the cat, whatever his name is.

 

[Regiomontanus]

I seem to remember things in glimpses, kind of like how one might remember a dream.

I can remember bits and pieces of my childhood, or even just last year, but never in detail. It's sort of like flash images. I can remember 'things' though, as in concepts and things I've done, if I think long enough, and those could summon more flash images. But very rarely more than a few seconds of 'video'-like memory.

I saw a picture of an old game Crash Bandicoot on Reddit. I saw the mask he wears in the image. Just a couple days ago I was talking with a friend at work about Crash Bandicoot and how I used to play that game as a kid, but the details of the game like certain levels, or even that signature mask he puts on to level up, didn't come to mind. Now that I think about it more I can remember more details about the game. I suppose it's possible I wasn't putting effort into activating the memory at the time in the midst of conversation.

It would be more fun if I could recall things like that mid conversation. I could've tried to replicate the noise he makes when he puts on the mask, or even just mention the mask.


What's your memory like? Is it pretty vivid and detailed?

My short term memory is truly aweful. Long term, though, is very good, especially faces - I never forget a face.

 

[Mock Turtle]

I'm 79. My long-term memory has never been particularly good. As I age I've become increasingly aware of short-term issues as well, the most common being lethologica.

I'm 79 too, and mostly my memory is not that bad - from the results I tend to get as to TV quizzes and such (compared with others), although much will be missing due to not having much interest in various genres of music or sport for example. My memory for faces seems to be quite good too - given that I can still see the corner shop owner (a woman) where I used to go shopping when I was aged about nine, and can still recall most faces in my life. I do tend to have the occasional drop-out as to trying to find the right word sometimes (lethologica?), and which is why I try to keep up with my reading. And given that I have done so much, mostly non-fiction, my vocabulary is not that bad. My memory used to be very good, and perhaps aided by having to remember all the formulae on our engineering course. I also have done a fair bit of writing - equivalent of two longish works (which will probably not see the light of day), so perhaps that helps too.

 

[Secret Chief]

Boo.. yes, that's his name.

 

[ChristineM]

I remember things pretty well, odd, strange, unusual things I'm very good at remembering, that makes me good at trivia but useless in the real world.
Funnily enough I've noticed in the last month or so that my short term memory is letting me down. If it doesn't improve i intend talk to my doctor about it next visit.

 

[Regiomontanus]

I remember things pretty well, odd, strange, unusual things I'm very good at remembering, that makes me good at trivia but useless in the real world.
Funnily enough I've noticed in the last month or so that my short term memory is letting me down. If it doesn't improve i intend talk to my doctor about it next visit.

'tis normal, to some degree, as we age.

https://www.nia.nih.gov/health/memory-loss-and-forgetfulness/memory-problems-forgetfulness-and-aging

 

[HonestJoe]

I wish I could tell you but I can't remember what my memory used to be like!

 

[Secret Chief]

I remember things pretty well, odd, strange, unusual things I'm very good at remembering, that makes me good at trivia but useless in the real world.
Funnily enough I've noticed in the last month or so that my short term memory is letting me down. If it doesn't improve i intend talk to my doctor about it next visit.

With age, it is the ability to create the memory which deteriorates. Hence STM is the one that is affected, rather than LTM.

 

[Secret Chief]

I wish I could tell you but I can't remember what my memory used to be like!

I went to see the doctor about mine but when I saw him I couldn't remember why I'd made the appointment.

 

[ChristineM]

'tis normal, to some degree, as we age.

https://www.nia.nih.gov/health/memory-loss-and-forgetfulness/memory-problems-forgetfulness-and-aging

I'm not at that age yet, or shouldn't be in my mind. If my memory is on the way out i would like advice on if i can slow it. My mind has seen me through great times and some awful times, it's precious to me, I don't want to lose it if at all possible

 

[JustGeorge]

Looks like I spaced off yet another appointment...

 

[ChristineM]

I've started using the diary on my phone to note appointments and tasks.that I've never had problems remembering before, this is a worry, but it least it works so long as i remember to enter the task ;-)

 

[JustGeorge]

I've started using the diary on my phone to note appointments and tasks.that I've never had problems remembering before, this is a worry, but it least it works so long as i remember to enter the task ;-)

I started logging them online, but I keep forgetting to check the log(no joke, its a problem).

 

[ChristineM]

I started logging them online, but I keep forgetting to check the log(no joke, its a problem).

You need a smart phone. Or a notepad for your pocket