Short Term Memory Tips

The short-term memory holds small amounts of information in the brain in an active state for a short period. It is normal for most people to have occasional short term memory problems, but if memory problems start to interfere with everyday life it may be time to see a professional. Many, but not all, cognitive conditions are reversible. The University Hospitals of Columbia and Cornell explain that certain medical conditions, such as thyroid problems, head injuries, or deficiencies, can cause short-term memory loss. Practicing short-term memory tips may help improve the condition or delay and prevent short term memory loss.

Sleep

• A prime tip to increase short-term memory loss is to increase your sleep. Help Guide.org explains that when you are sleep deprived, your brain cannot operate to its full capacity and that sleep is very important for learning and memory compression. When the body is sleep deprived, cognitive skills, language, and short term memory are all affected. According to Help Guide.org, the brain performs helps improve short-term memory during the deepest stages of sleep.

Food

• A short-term memory tip from the Mayo Clinic is to eat blueberries. They are filled with antioxidants that may help stop chronic heart disease and improve short-term memory. True Blue.com explains how blueberries may even protect against and reverse age-related memory loss because of their ability to improve blood flow to the brain. Other foods that improve short-term memory include dark green vegetables, fish, and honey.

Stress

• An important short-term memory tip is to keep stress under control. The University of Maryland Medical Center explains that, "during stressful times, catecholamines suppress activity in certain areas of the front of the brain that deal with short term memory, inhibition, rational thinking, and concentration. Stress also interrupts the ability to handle difficult social tasks and behaviors." Resources for Science Learning explains that over-secretion of stress hormones can affect the memory and other brain functions.

Water and Caffeine

• Aging & Technology Research suggests avoiding large amounts of caffeine and increasing water intake to improve short-term memory. When the body is dehydrated, short-term memory is effected and problems occur with concentration and thinking in the brain. Aging & Technology Research explains how dehydration causes fatigue and makes the body less alert. Drinking products with caffeine makes the body more alert on the surface, but the stimulation from caffeine may interfere with the sleep required to build up memories.