Introduction
Have you ever been in a situation where you know you know something, but you just can’t seem to remember it? It can be incredibly frustrating, and it’s something that we all experience from time to time. But did you know that there is actually a scientific reason why you can’t remember something? In this article, we’ll explore the #1 reason you can’t remember something, according to science, and how you can use this knowledge to improve your memory. We’ll also look at some of the foods you should be eating to help boost your memory and recall. So, if you’re looking for ways to improve your memory and recall, read on to find out more!
The #1 Reason You Can’t Remember Something, According to Science
We’ve all been there: you can’t remember something important, and it’s driving you crazy. But why is it so hard to remember certain things? According to science, the answer may be simpler than you think.
The #1 reason you can’t remember something is because you didn’t pay enough attention to it in the first place. Studies have shown that the more attention you pay to something, the more likely you are to remember it. This is because your brain is constantly taking in information, and the more you focus on something, the more likely it is to be stored in your long-term memory.
So if you want to remember something, the best thing you can do is to pay close attention to it. Make sure you’re focusing on the details and actively engaging with the material. This will help your brain store the information more effectively, and make it easier to recall later.
But that’s not all. Eating certain foods can also help you remember things better. Foods that are high in omega-3 fatty acids, such as salmon, walnuts, and flaxseed, have been shown to improve memory and cognitive function. So if you’re having trouble remembering something, try eating some of these foods to give your brain a boost.
So the next time you can’t remember something, don’t panic. Just take a few moments to focus on the details, and make sure you’re eating the right foods to give your brain the fuel it needs to remember.
Everyone has the occasional brain fart—a moment when you forget something that’s like second nature to you. There’s many examples of brain farts and while they may seem harmless, that’s not always the case. Eat This, Not That! Health spoke with Dr. Santoshi Billakota, MD, an Adult Neurologist Epileptologist and Clinical Assistant Professor within the Department of Neurology at NYU Grossman School of Medicine who explained how brain farts work and why they can sometimes indicate a bigger health issue. Read on—and to ensure your health and the health of others, don’t miss these Sure Signs You’ve Already Had COVID.
Dr. Billakota explains a brain fart is “a temporary mental lapse or trouble reasoning can be colloquially called a ‘brain fart.’ These can include forgetting names, misplacing items or even forgetting what you got up to go do.”
According to Dr. Billakota, “They usually occur during momentary lack of focus or paying attention. When we are stressed, multitasking or even doing a task that we do frequently, our brains sometimes go into a ‘cruise control’ mode. This is a way for the brain to conserve energy.”
RELATED: The #1 Habit That Ages Your Skin Faster
Dr. Billakota says brain farts can, “lead us to not pay attention or focus during repetitive or mundane tasks. For instance, you might get in the elevator and accidentally end up on the wrong floor because it’s a floor you frequently go to. Or you might get in the car to go somewhere and accidentally end up at work because you’re used to driving there. Since this sometimes is an attentional issue, people with attentional deficit disorders (ADD/ADHD) or learning disabilities can be more prone to ‘brain farts.’”
RELATED: 5 Warning Signs Your Brain is in Trouble
“Other times, when you forget certain names/places/things and you feel something is right at the ‘tip of your tongue,’ this can suggest an error in memory retrieval,” Dr. Billakota explains. “This usually doesn’t suggest anything dangerous or progressive, but indicates this might be information you have not used in a while so retrieving it might be a little more difficult. Usually, this is potentiated by alcohol or drug usage, anxiety, and sleep deprivation.”
RELATED: How Can You Avoid COVID? A Virus Expert Weighs In
Dr. Billakota states, “Although the above are normal, some memory lapses can be concerning and signify a more serious condition- like dementia, cognitive impairments or even seizure. These red flags include:
- Asking the same question over and over again
- Forgetting how to get to a common place you usually go to (driving or walking)
- Forgetting long term memories (like a vacation you once took, or an important day—like your wedding)
- Trouble remembering how to do basic activities of daily living: cooking, bathing, dress yourself or dialing a phone
- Frustration with family members or co-workers due to your memory issues
- Changes in personality along with memory issues
- Trouble reading, writing, solving basic math problems
- If you notice any of the above in a family member, friend or loved one, please speak with a neurologist immediately.”
And to get through this pandemic at your healthiest, don’t miss these 35 Places You’re Most Likely to Catch COVID.