I Don’t Remember What Happened a Moment Ago: Understanding Memory Lapses

Have you ever been chatting with someone and suddenly blanked on what you were just talking about? Or maybe you walked into a room with something on your mind, only to forget what you needed as soon as you got there? These little memory slips can be annoying and sometimes worrying. In this blog post, we’ll look at why these memory lapses happen, what causes them, and some easy tips to help you improve your memory.

Benefits of Bacopa Monnieri

Bacopa monnieri, often called brahmi or water hyssop, is a plant used in traditional Ayurvedic medicine, famous for helping with memory and reducing stress.

1. Bacopa monnieri can help improve memory and learning. Studies have shown that people who take it for six weeks can remember things better and think more clearly. This is likely because it contains special compounds called bacosides that help the brain send messages more effectively.¹
2. Bacopa can help the body handle stress. It lowers cortisol levels, the hormone that makes you feel stressed, which can help reduce anxiety and lift your mood—especially helpful for those dealing with chronic stress or anxiety issues.¹
3. Bacopa is packed with antioxidants that can protect your body from damage caused by free radicals.² This protection can lower the risk of chronic diseases and may support your overall health.
4. Early research suggests that Bacopa monnieri can reduce inflammation in the body, which could help with various inflammatory conditions.²
5. It may also help children with attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) by improving their focus and cognitive performance. This makes it a potential natural addition to traditional treatments.³

What is Memory?

Memory is a complex process that allows us to take in, keep, and recall information. It’s not just one thing; it includes different types of memory systems:

1. Short-term Memory: This type of memory involves temporary lapses in recalling information that lasts for a brief period, typically for up to 30 seconds. You can imagine of short-term memory as a mental notepad where you hold onto information for a short while before it either gets forgotten or transferred to long-term memory.⁴
2. Long-term Memory: This system keeps information for a long time, from hours to even a lifetime. It includes everything from facts and personal experiences to skills and habits.⁵

When we have brief moments where we forget things, it usually happens in our short-term memory. These lapses can be affected by distractions, stress, or having too much on our minds. Understanding these memory systems can help us find ways to improve our memory and manage those forgetful moments.

Why do I keep forgetting?

1. Distractions

In today’s fast-paced world, distractions are everywhere. Mobile Phones, emails, and outside noises can obstruct our ability to focus and absorb new information. For example, if you’re texting while conversing with someone, you might struggle to recall what was said later.⁶

2. Stress and Anxiety

Studies have shown that stress may actually impact cognitive function. When feeling anxious or overwhelmed, our minds prioritize immediate survival needs over retaining new information. This shift can make it tough to remember things in high-stress situations.⁷

3. Cognitive Overload

Our brains have limits when processing information. Attempting to multitask or absorb large amounts of information at once can lead to cognitive overload, making it challenging to keep track of everything and resulting in forgetfulness.⁸

There are many reasons for forgetfulness, whether the details are important or simple. If this resonates with you, consider leaving yourself reminders on paper or your phone. If forgetfulness becomes a pattern, exploring stress management techniques or consulting a professional may be beneficial.

What are the symptoms of memory loss?

• Frequently making bad choices or decisions.
• Finding difficulty in keeping records of monthly bills.
• Often forgetting what day or time of year it is.
• Difficulty holding a conversation.
• Frequently loosing items and not able to relocate them.

What could be the reason for forgetting?

Lifestyle choices can play a big role in memory problems. Stress, not getting enough sleep, drinking too much alcohol, smoking, and being overweight can all contribute. Long-term stress and related mood issues can lead to memory problems that might look like early signs of dementia.

Memory loss in a 40-year-old

Memory issues in a 40-year-old can feel concerning, but they’re often a natural part of getting older and not a sign of serious problems like dementia.⁹ At this age, forgetfulness can be caused by everyday factors like stress, anxiety, sleep problems, or hormonal changes (especially in women during menopause). These things can make it harder to focus, remember where you left things, or recall names. While occasional forgetfulness is usually harmless, it’s best to see a healthcare provider if memory problems keep getting worse to rule out any underlying issues or medication side effects. Simple steps like doing mental exercises, staying active, eating well, and managing stress can help support memory and brain health.

Strategies for Improving Memory

1. Practice Mindfulness

Mindfulness activities like meditation or deep breathing can help you focus better. By being fully present during conversations or tasks, you’re more likely to remember important details.

2. Limit Distractions

Creating a distraction-free space can improve how well you remember things. Turn off notifications, set specific times to check social media or emails, and try to avoid multitasking to stay focused.

3. Organize Information

Using lists, notes, or apps can help you keep information organized, making it easier to find later. Breaking down complex tasks into smaller, manageable steps can also prevent feeling overwhelmed and improve your memory.

4. Stay Physically Active

Regular exercise is good for your brain and can enhance memory. Physical activity increases blood flow to the brain, helps grow new brain cells, and boosts overall mental performance.

Challenges Faced

1. Forgetting Over Time

This refers to the tendency to forget facts or events over time, particularly shortly after learning them. While this may appear to be a memory issue, it serves a purpose by clearing out older memories, allowing for the retention of newer and more relevant information.¹⁰

2. Lapses Due to Distraction

It occurs when an individual is not fully attentive. For example, one might forget where they placed an item, such as a cell phone, due to a lack of focus during the action. This type of memory lapse can also manifest as forgetting to perform tasks, such as taking medication or keeping appointments.¹⁰

3. Memory Blocks

This happens when someone knows the answer to a question but is unable to retrieve it, similar to a memory being just out of reach. This phenomenon is common with aging, as similar memories may compete for retrieval. Research indicates that many individuals can recall about half of their blocked memories within a minute.¹⁰

4. Misattribution

It occurs when a person accurately remembers an event but confuses specific details, such as the time or location. It can also involve mistakenly believing that an idea is original when it was previously encountered in reading or listening, potentially leading to unintentional plagiarism. This type of memory error tends to increase with age.¹⁰

5. Influence Of External Suggestions

This refers to the way memory can be influenced by external suggestions or new information received after an event. This can result in the incorporation of inaccurate details into one’s memory, causing the individual to believe these details were part of their original experience.¹⁰

Scientific Studies

1. A 58-year-old woman began experiencing increasing issues with memory and thinking. Early signs included trouble remembering recent events, staying focused, and learning new things. Brain scans showed mild shrinkage in the temporal lobe, and tests of her spinal fluid pointed to a likely diagnosis of Alzheimer's disease. This case shows that symptoms of early-onset dementia can appear in people under 60, even as young as their 40s. ¹¹

2. Factors contributing to memory loss at this age can include stress, depression, sleep disturbances, and lifestyle choices such as diet and physical activity. Psychological assessments often reveal that mood disorders can significantly impact cognitive functions like memory and attention, leading to perceived memory loss.¹²

Do you still have a habit of forgetting things?

Forgetting things is a normal part of life and can occur due to distractions, stress, or mental overload. While occasional lapses are common, frequent forgetfulness can be frustrating. Techniques such as keeping notes and staying organized can help improve memory. If you're looking to enhance your memory and concentration, consider adding Brain-X to your daily routine for extra support.

Conclusion

Memory lapses are a common experience, and understanding their causes—like transience, absentmindedness, and cognitive overload—can help us manage them better. By practicing mindfulness, reducing distractions, and staying organized, we can improve our memory. Incorporating supplements which include natural ingredients like Bacopa monnieri may also support cognitive function. Remember, forgetfulness is normal and can be addressed through simple lifestyle changes and strategies, allowing us to maintain a sharper mind as we age.

Next time you find yourself forgetting what you were just doing, pause, take a breath, and refocus—your brain will thank you!

References

1.Walker EA, Pellegrini MV. Bacopa monnieri [Internet]. Nih.gov. StatPearls Publishing; 2023 [cited 2024 Nov 6]. Available from: https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/books/NBK589635/#:~:text=The%20main%20indications%20for%20using,memory%20acquisition%2C%20and%20decreasing%20anxiety.

2.Simpson T, Pase M, Stough C. Bacopa monnierias an Antioxidant Therapy to Reduce Oxidative Stress in the Aging Brain. Evidence-Based Complementary and Alternative Medicine [Internet]. 2015 [cited 2024 Nov 6];2015:1–9. Available from: https://pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC4564646/#:~:text=The%20Indian%20herb%20Bacopa%20monnieri%20is%20a,Bacopa%20monnieri%20improve%20cognitive%20function%20in%20humans.

3.UP;Dingankar D. An open-label study to elucidate the effects of standardized Bacopa monnieri extract in the management of symptoms of attention-deficit hyperactivity disorder in children. Advances in mind-body medicine [Internet]. 2014 [cited 2024 Nov 6];28(2). Available from: https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/24682000/

4.Cascella M, Khalili YA. Short-Term Memory Impairment [Internet]. Nih.gov. StatPearls Publishing; 2024 [cited 2024 Nov 6]. Available from: https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/books/NBK545136/#:~:text=Short%2Dterm%20memory%2C%20also%20referred,memories%20and%20their%20subsequent%20reactivation.

5.Lindell MK. Judgment and Decision-Making. Elsevier eBooks [Internet]. 2014 Jan 1 [cited 2024 Nov 6];403–31. Available from: https://www.sciencedirect.com/topics/neuroscience/long-term-memory#:~:text=Long%2Dterm%20memory%20(LTM),consolidation%20is%20a%20continuous%20process.

6.Anderson J. 2. The negatives of digital life [Internet]. Pew Research Center. 2018 [cited 2024 Nov 6]. Available from: https://www.pewresearch.org/internet/2018/07/03/the-negatives-of-digital-life/#:~:text=As%20an%20adult%20I%20find,those%20that%20are%20shared%20online.%E2%80%9D&text=Fay%20Niker%2C%20postdoctoral%20fellow%20at,interact%20in%20a%20large%20crowd.

7.Health.Harvard. Protect your brain from stress - Harvard Health [Internet]. Harvard Health. 2018 [cited 2024 Nov 6]. Available from: https://www.health.harvard.edu/mind-and-mood/protect-your-brain-from-stress#:~:text=It's%20not%20uncommon%20to%20feel,and%20women%20differently%2C%20she%20says.

8.Arnold M, Mascha Goldschmitt, Rigotti T. Dealing with information overload: a comprehensive review. Frontiers in Psychology [Internet]. 2023 Jun 21 [cited 2024 Nov 6];14. Available from: https://pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC10322198/

9.https://www.facebook.com/NIHAging. Memory Problems, Forgetfulness, and Aging [Internet]. National Institute on Aging. 2023 [cited 2024 Nov 6]. Available from: https://www.nia.nih.gov/health/memory-loss-and-forgetfulness/memory-problems-forgetfulness-and-aging#:~:text=As%20people%20grow%20older%2C%20changes,the%20brain%20and%20nervous%20system.

10.Harvard Health. Forgetfulness — 7 types of normal memory problems - Harvard Health Publishing - Harvard Health [Internet]. Harvard Health. 2012 [cited 2024 Nov 6]. Available from: https://www.health.harvard.edu/mind-and-mood/forgetfulness-7-types-of-normal-memory-problems

11.Maneval J, Woods JK, Feany MB, Miller MB, Silbersweig DA, Gale SA, et al. Case Study 3: A 58-Year-Old Woman Referred for Evaluation of Suspected Alzheimer Dementia. Journal of Neuropsychiatry [Internet]. 2022 Oct 1 [cited 2024 Nov 6];34(4):307–15. Available from: https://pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC9823288/