National Memory Day on March 21 is a day celebrating the brain as a function of the human body that helps us to recall events and retrieve experiences from the past.
#MemoryDay
Most people think of memory as something that is used to remember past events. However, there are actually three functions of memory. The first function of memory is to acquire information. The second and third functions of memory involve the ability to retain and retrieve information.
Test Taking Tips
- Acquire the information by reading, listening, and organizing your notes from class.
- Retain the information by using repetition. Find a quiet place away from distractions. Read and re-read your information.
- Test yourself or have a friend test you on the information.
- Take your test. Your brain will retrieve the information from your memory once you begin to recognize the information on the test.
When the time comes to take the test, your brain will retrieve the information from your memory necessary to take the test.
What are the 4 different categories of memory?
- Sensory Memory. This type of memory helps to remember sensory information after a certain stimulation has ended. Sensory memory is obtained by sight (iconic), auditory (echoic), and touch (haptic).
- Short-term Memory. This type of memory helps recall information for a brief period of time. Short-term memories only last for about 30 seconds.
- Working Memory. This type of memory involves immediate information that is necessary for completing cognitive tasks.
- Long-term Memory. This type of memory is any kind of information that can still be recalled after 30 seconds. Long-term memory is further broken down into explicit, which is information we deliberately want to remember (such as a friend’s birthday) and implicit, which are memories that we pick up subconsciously.
Uncommon Facts About Memory
Memory affects every stage of life, including the time before we were born. According to recent research, short-term memory begins to form in the womb at about 30 weeks gestation. When babies are born, memory helps babies bond with their mother. For instance, babies remember what their mother’s voice sounds like which helps them recognize their parents voices once they are born. Young children also use memory to learn how to navigate the world. No matter what their stage of life, all humans rely on memory to accomplish a variety of tasks. From pre-school through college, memory is necessary for learning new skills and advancing to the next level.
10 Ways You Use Your Memory
- Traveling.
- Cooking favorite recipes.
- Completing puzzles.
- Singing songs.
- Playing an instrument.
- Playing sports.
- Telling stories from our past.
- Celebrate holidays and important events.
- Learning a new skill.
- Taking a test.
Memory Loss
Memory is involved in a large part of the human experience. Sadly, though, memory is one thing that people can lose. This is especially true of aging adults. As aging adults age, the brain changes with them. These age-related changes are usually a result of lower executive function in the brain. While older people can still learn new things and retain information, it might be more difficult to do so.
6 Diseases Associated With Memory Loss?
- Alzheimer’s
- Vascular dementia
- Parkinson’s
- Huntington’s
- HIV/AIDS
- Wernick-Korsakoff Syndrome
8 Causes of Memory Loss?
- Aging
- Head trauma
- Vitamin deficiencies
- Stress
- Fatigue
- Sleep deprivation
- Certain medications
- Mental health conditions
HOW TO OBSERVE MEMORY DAY
This is a great day to look to think about the important role that memory has played in your life. Other ways to observe this day include:
- Read journals from the past or start a new daily journal.
- Learn more about the different kinds of memory.
- Donate to an organization that funds research for diseases that cause memory loss.
- Do a crossword puzzle or play a memory-boosting game.
- Share one of your favorite memories on social media. Be sure to use MemoryDay when you post it.
MEMORY DAY HISTORY
It’s not that we cannot recall how National Memory Day came about, we simply do not know! However, National Day Calendar will continue to research the origins of this day.
Memory FAQ
Why do some people have better memories than others?
A stronger memory can be a result of having to encode more information. Genetics may also play a role in having a better memory than others.
Can memory be improved?
Yes, there are many things you can do to improve your memory. Some of these include daily physical activity, reading, spending time with others, staying organized, cutting out alcohol, and getting adequate sleep.
What foods and supplements can help with memory?
- Brain supplements include Omega-3 fatty acids, electrolytes, B vitamins, protein, and antioxidants.
- Foods that boost memory include avocadoes, coffee, eggs, dark chocolate, blueberries, and turmeric.
Days Similar to National Memory Day:
- National Train Your Brain Day | October 13
- Brain Awareness Week | Changes Annually
- National Brain Injury Awareness Month | March